bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unoccupied aerial systems discovered overlooked loci capturing the variation of entire growing period in maize
Authors: Adak Alper , Murray Seth C. , Anderson Steven L. , Popescu Sorin C. , Malambo Lonesome , Romay M. Cinta , de Leon Natalia
Published: May 2021

Traditional phenotyping methods, coupled with genetic mapping in segregating populations, have identified loci governing complex traits in many crops. Unoccupied aerial systems (UAS)‐based phenotyping has helped to reveal a more novel and dynamic relationship between time‐specific associated loci with complex traits previously unable to be evaluated. Over 1,500 maize (Zea mays L.) hybrid row plots containing 280 different replicated maize hybrids from the Genomes to Fields (G2F) project were evaluated agronomically and using UAS in 2017. Weekly UAS flights captured variation in plant heights during the growing season under three different management conditions each year: optimal planting with irrigation (G2FI), optimal dryland planting without irrigation (G2FD), and a stressed late planting (G2LA). Plant height of different flights were ranked based on importance for yield using a random forest (RF) algorithm. Plant heights captured by early flights in G2FI trials had higher importance (based on Gini scores) for predicting maize grain yield (GY) but also higher accuracies in genomic predictions which fluctuated for G2FD (−0.06∼0.73), G2FI (0.33∼0.76), and G2LA (0.26∼0.78) trials. A genome‐wide association analysis discovered 52 significant single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), seven were found consistently in more than one flights or trial; 45 were flight or trial specific. Total cumulative marker effects for each chromosome's contributions to plant height also changed depending on flight. Using UAS phenotyping, this study showed that many candidate genes putatively play a role in the regulation of plant architecture even in relatively early stages of maize growth and development.
Emerging theranostic applications of carbon dots and its variants
Authors: Ray Priyanka , Moitra Parikshit , Pan Dipanjan
Published: May 2021

In recent years, carbon dots (CDs), that is, carbon nanoparticles less than 10 nm in size with unique molecular properties including photoluminescence, biocompatibility, and water dispersibility, have been widely used in various fields of nanobiotechnology. This review article aims to describe the recent progress on CD research with a focus on their chemical composition and varieties as well as a comparative section on graphene quantum dots. The following sections shed light on the synthetic routes towards the fabrication of CDs followed by an elaborate description of their emerging applications in theranostics. Finally, a perspective is provided to indicate the major roadblocks for the translation of CDs from research laboratories to the clinics. This article thus aims to update the latest results in this rapidly developing field and offers crucial insights to inspire novel and exciting research in this domain.
Distinguishing Active Versus Passive DNA Demethylation Using Illumina MethylationEPIC BeadChip Microarrays
Authors: Tiedemann Rochelle L. , Eden Hope E. , Huang Zhijun , Robertson Keith D. , Rothbart Scott B.
Published: May 2021

The 5-carbon positions on cytosine nucleotides preceding guanines in genomic DNA (CpG) are common targets for DNA methylation (5mC). DNA methylation removal can occur through both active and passive mechanisms. Ten-eleven translocation enzymes (TETs) oxidize 5mC in a stepwise manner to 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC), 5-formylcytosine (5fC), and 5-carboxylcytosine (5caC). 5mC can also be removed passively through sequential cell divisions in the absence of DNA methylation maintenance. In this chapter, we describe approaches that couple TET-assisted bisulfite (TAB) and oxidative bisulfite (OxBS) conversion to the Illumina MethylationEPIC BeadChIP (EPIC array) and show how these technologies can be used to distinguish active versus passive DNA demethylation. We also describe integrative bioinformatics pipelines to facilitate this analysis.
Bewertung und Validierung
Authors: Marwedel Peter
Published: May 2021

Während des Entwurfs müssen wir uns immer wieder davon überzeugen, dass das geplante System voraussichtlich seine Funktion erfüllen wird und gemäß aller relevanten Bewertungskriterien die Anforderungen einhalten wird.
Test
Authors: Marwedel Peter
Published: May 2021

Leider können wir nicht davon ausgehen, dass ein entworfenes und ggf. produziertes System wie vorgesehen funktioniert.
Effective field theory of stochastic diffusion from gravity
Authors: Ghosh Jewel K. , Loganayagam R. , Prabhu Siddharth G. , Rangamani Mukund , Sivakumar Akhil , Vishal V.
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Planar black holes in AdS have long-lived quasinormal modes which capture the physics of charge and momentum diffusion in the dual field theory. How should we characterize the effective dynamics of a probe system coupled to the conserved currents of the dual field theory? Specifically, how would such a probe record the long-lived memory of the black hole and its Hawking fluctuations? We address this question by exhibiting a universal gauge invariant framework which captures the physics of stochastic diffusion in holography: a designer scalar with a gravitational coupling governed by a single parameter, the Markovianity index. We argue that the physics of gauge and gravitational perturbations of a planar Schwarzschild-AdS black hole can be efficiently captured by such designer scalars. We demonstrate that this framework allows one to decouple, at the quadratic order, the long-lived quasinormal and Hawking modes from the short-lived ones. It furthermore provides a template for analyzing fluctuating open quantum field theories with memory. In particular, we use this set-up to analyze the diffusive Hawking photons and gravitons about a planar Schwarzschild-AdS black hole and derive the quadratic effective action that governs fluctuating hydrodynamics of the dual CFT. Along the way we also derive results relevant for probes of hyperscaling violating backgrounds at finite temperature.
The statistical mechanics of near-extremal black holes
Authors: Iliesiu Luca V. , Turiaci Gustavo J.
Published: May 2021

Abstract

An important open question in black hole thermodynamics is about the existence of a “mass gap” between an extremal black hole and the lightest near-extremal state within a sector of fixed charge. In this paper, we reliably compute the partition function of Reissner-Nordström near-extremal black holes at temperature scales comparable to the conjectured gap. We find that the density of states at fixed charge does not exhibit a gap; rather, at the expected gap energy scale, we see a continuum of states. We compute the partition function in the canonical and grand canonical ensembles, keeping track of all the fields appearing through a dimensional reduction on S2 in the near-horizon region. Our calculation shows that the relevant degrees of freedom at low temperatures are those of 2d Jackiw-Teitelboim gravity coupled to the electromagnetic U(1) gauge field and to an SO(3) gauge field generated by the dimensional reduction.
TOPOLOGICAL NOETHERIANITY FOR ALGEBRAIC REPRESENTATIONS OF INFINITE RANK CLASSICAL GROUPS
Authors: EGGERMONT R. H. , SNOWDEN A.
Published: May 2021

Draisma recently proved that polynomial representations of GL∞ are topologically noetherian. We generalize this result to algebraic representations of infinite rank classical groups.
Alkohol in sozialen Medien: Wo ist der Platz für Prävention?
Authors: Döring Nicola , Holz Christoph
Published: May 2021

Hintergrund

Alkohol ist nicht nur offline, sondern inzwischen auch online fast allgegenwärtig.

Ziel der Arbeit

Die vorliegende Arbeit verfolgt das Ziel, den Status quo der Alkoholprävention auf führenden Social-Media-Plattformen im deutschsprachigen Raum zu beschreiben.

Material und Methoden

Dazu wird zunächst der internationale Forschungsstand zur Alkoholkommunikation in sozialen Medien in einem narrativen Review zusammengefasst. Im Zuge einer Social-Media-Analyse wird dann untersucht, welche deutschsprachigen alkoholbezogenen Kanäle auf Plattformen wie Facebook und Instagram große Reichweiten haben. Anschließend werden mittels Inhaltsanalyse N = 470 Beiträge und N = 3015 Nutzerkommentare von dem reichweitenstärksten Social-Media-Kanal der Alkoholprävention untersucht. Schließlich wird durch eine Onlinebefragung von N = 1150 Jugendlichen (16–20 Jahre) deren alkoholbezogene Social-Media-Nutzung erkundet.

Ergebnisse

Laut Forschungsstand findet in sozialen Medien vor allem eine glorifizierende Kommunikation zu Alkohol statt. Auf führenden Social-Media-Plattformen sind die reichweitenstärksten deutschsprachigen alkoholbezogenen Kanäle dem Marketing und Humor gewidmet, Prävention ist deutlich weniger verbreitet. Der bislang reichweitenstärkste Kanal der Alkoholprävention ist die Facebook-Seite der Jugendkampagne „Alkohol? Kenn dein Limit.“ der Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA), die mit Videos und Umfragen die höchsten Interaktionsraten erzielt. Hier äußern sich junge Social-Media-Nutzer alkoholkritisch (11 % der Kommentare), aber oft weiterhin alkoholbefürwortend (21 %). Rund die Hälfte der befragten Jugendlichen hat sich schon an alkoholbezogener Onlinekommunikation beteiligt.

Diskussion

Die Alkoholprävention steht vor der Aufgabe, der in sozialen Medien dominierenden Alkoholverherrlichung sensibilisierende Botschaften entgegenzusetzen.
Machine learning and simulation-based surrogate modeling for improved process chain operation
Authors: Hürkamp André , Gellrich Sebastian , Dér Antal , Herrmann Christoph , Dröder Klaus , Thiede Sebastian
Published: May 2021

In this contribution, a concept is presented that combines different simulation paradigms during the engineering phase. These methods are transferred into the operation phase by the use of data-based surrogates. As an virtual production scenario, the process combination of thermoforming continuous fiber-reinforced thermoplastic sheets and injection overmolding of thermoplastic polymers is investigated. Since this process is very sensitive regarding the temperature, the volatile transfer time is considered in a dynamic process chain control. Based on numerical analyses of the injection molding process, a surrogate model is developed. It enables a fast prediction of the product quality based on the temperature history. The physical model is transferred to an agent-based process chain simulation identifying lead time, bottle necks and quality rates taking into account the whole process chain. In the second step of surrogate modeling, a feasible soft sensor model is derived for quality control over the process chain during the operation stage. For this specific uses case, the production rejection can be reduced by 12% compared to conventional static approaches.
Hyaluronan, a double-edged sword in kidney diseases
Authors: Kaul Aditya , Singampalli Kavya L. , Parikh Umang M. , Yu Ling , Keswani Sundeep G. , Wang Xinyi
Published: May 2021

Over the years, hyaluronic acid (HA) has emerged as an important molecule in nephrological and urological studies involving extracellular matrix (ECM) organization, inflammation, tissue regeneration, and viral sensing. During this time, many have noted the perplexing double-edged nature of the molecule, at times promoting pro-fibrotic events and at other times promoting anti-fibrotic events. Different molecular weights of HA can be attributed to these disparities, though most studies have yet to focus on this subtlety. With regard to the kidney, HA is induced in the initial response phase of injury and is subsequently decreased during disease progression of AKI, CKD, and diabetic nephropathy. These and other kidney diseases force patients, particularly pediatric patients, to face dialysis, surgical procedures, and ultimately, transplant. To summarize the current literature for researchers and pediatric nephrologists, this review aims to expound HA and elucidate its paradoxical effects in multiple kidney diseases using studies that emphasize HA molecular weight when available.
Sex-specific prognostic effect of CD66b-positive tumor-infiltrating neutrophils (TANs) in gastric and esophageal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Quaas Alexander , Pamuk Aylin , Klein Sebastian , Quantius Jennifer , Rehkaemper Jan , Barutcu Atakan G. , Rueschoff Josef , Zander Thomas , Gebauer Florian , Hillmer Axel , Buettner Reinhard , Schroeder Wolfgang , Bruns Christiane J. , Löser Heike , Schoemig-Markiefka Birgid , Alakus Hakan
Published: May 2021

Background

Tumor-associated neutrophils (TANs) have recently been identified as a relevant component of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in solid tumors. Within the TME TANs mediate either tumor-promoting or tumor-inhibiting activities. So far, their prognostic relevance remains to be determined. This study aims to evaluate the prognostic relevance of TANs in different molecular subtypes of gastric and esophageal adenocarcinoma.

Methods

We analyzed a total of 1118 Caucasian patients divided into gastric adenocarcinoma (n = 458) and esophageal adenocarcinoma cohort (n = 660) of primarily resected and neoadjuvant-treated individuals. The amount of CD66b + TANs in the tumor stroma was determined using quantitative image analysis and correlated to both molecular, as well as clinical data.

Results

An accumulation of TANs in the tumor stroma of gastric carcinomas was associated to a significant favorable prognosis (p = 0.026). A subgroup analysis showed that this effect was primarily related to the molecular chromosomal instable subtype (CIN) of gastric carcinomas (p = 0.010). This was only observed in female patients (p = 0.014) but not in male patients (p = 0.315). The same sex-specific effect could be confirmed in adenocarcinomas of the esophagus (p = 0.027), as well as in female individuals after receiving neoadjuvant therapy (p = 0.034).

Conclusions

Together, we show a sex-specific prognostic effect of TANs in gastric cancer within a Caucasian cohort. For the first time, we showed that this sex-specific prognostic effect of TANs can also be seen in esophageal cancer.
On the Green function of an orthotropic clamped plate in a half-plane
Authors: Ortner Norbert , Wagner Peter
Published: May 2021

First, we calculate, in a heuristic manner, the Green function of an orthotropic plate in a half-plane which is clamped along the boundary. We then justify the solution and generalize our approach to operators of the form $$(Q(\partial ')-a^2\partial _n^2)(Q(\partial ')-b^2\partial _n^2)$$

(
Q

(

∂
′

)

-

a
2

∂
n
2

)

(
Q

(

∂
′

)

-

b
2

∂
n
2

)

(where $$\partial '=(\partial _1,\dots ,\partial _{n-1})$$

∂
′

=

(

∂
1

,
⋯
,

∂

n
-
1

)

and $$a>0,b>0,a\ne b)$$

a
>
0
,
b
>
0
,
a
≠
b
)

with respect to Dirichlet boundary conditions at $$x_n=0.$$

x
n

=
0
.

The Green function $$G_\xi $$

G
ξ

is represented by a linear combination of fundamental solutions $$E^c$$

E
c

of $$Q(\partial ')(Q(\partial ')-c^2\partial _n^2),$$

Q

(

∂
′

)

(
Q

(

∂
′

)

-

c
2

∂
n
2

)

,

$$c\in \{a,b\},$$

c
∈
{
a
,
b
}
,

that are shifted to the source point $$\xi ,$$

ξ
,

to the mirror point $$-\xi ,$$

-
ξ
,

and to the two additional points $$-\frac{a}{b}\xi $$

-

a
b

ξ

and $$-\frac{b}{a}\xi ,$$

-

b
a

ξ
,

respectively.
Characterization of local and global capacity criteria for collapse assessment of code-conforming RC buildings
Authors: D’Angela Danilo , Magliulo Gennaro , Celano Francesca , Cosenza Edoardo
Published: May 2021

The paper investigates both local and global capacity criteria for collapse assessment of RC frame buildings. Both literature and regulations criteria are considered, also including the formulation recommended in the draft of the new Eurocode 8 (part 3) and other collapse criteria never investigated. The case studies consist of low-rise bare and infilled frame buildings, which are designed according to the Italian code provisions considering low-to-high seismicity sites in Italy. The seismic demand is estimated by performing multiple-stripe analysis based on inelastic modeling, also including the presence of the infills. The capacity assessment and the performance evaluation associated with the (building) collapse are carried out according to the latest approaches and methodologies of performance-based earthquake engineering. The investigated capacity criteria are characterized as a result of the collapse assessment in terms of (a) collapse demand to capacity ratios, (b) collapse fragility curves, (c) collapse margin ratios and probabilities, and (d) inter-capacity margin ratios. The findings provide novel information and technical insights into the influence of the collapse capacity criteria selection on the collapse features of the investigated buildings. In particular, the capacity criteria are quantitatively correlated to the building collapse performance, also outlining safety and economic considerations.
Sarcopenia and serum biomarkers of oxidative stress after a 6-month physical activity intervention in women with metastatic breast cancer: results from the ABLE feasibility trial
Authors: Delrieu Lidia , Martin Agnès , Touillaud Marina , Pérol Olivia , Morelle Magali , Febvey-Combes Olivia , Freyssenet Damien , Friedenreich Christine , Dufresne Armelle , Bachelot Thomas , Heudel Pierre-Etienne , Trédan Olivier , Crochet Hugo , Bouhamama Amine , Pilleul Frank , Pialoux Vincent , Fervers Béatrice
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Sarcopenia has been identified as an important prognostic factor for patients with cancer. This study aimed at exploring the potential associations between a 6-month physical activity intervention and muscle characteristics, sarcopenia, oxidative stress and toxicities in patients with metastatic breast cancer.

Methods

Women newly diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer (N = 49) participated in an unsupervised, personalized, 6-month physical activity intervention with activity tracker. Computerized tomography images at the third lumbar vertebra were analysed at baseline, three months and six months to assess sarcopenia (muscle mass index < 40 cm2/m2) and muscle quality (poor if muscle attenuation < 37.8 Hounsfield Units). Oxidative markers included plasma antioxidant enzymes (catalase, glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activities), prooxidant enzymes (NADPH oxidase and myeloperoxidase activities) and oxidative stress damage markers (advanced oxidation protein products, malondialdehyde (MDA) and DNA oxidation.

Results

At baseline 53% (mean age 55 years (SD 10.41)) were sarcopenic and 75% had poor muscle quality. Muscle cross sectional area, skeletal muscle radiodensity, lean body mass remained constant over the six months (p = 0.75, p = 0.07 and p = 0.75 respectively), but differed significantly between sarcopenic and non-sarcopenic patients at baseline and 6-months. Sarcopenic patients at baseline were more likely to have an increase of MDA (p = 0.02) at 6 months. Being sarcopenic during at least one moment during the 6-month study was associated with a higher risk of developing severe toxicities (grade > 2) (p = 0.02).

Conclusions

This study suggests potential benefits of physical activity for maintenance of muscle mass. Sarcopenia can alter many parameters and disturb the pro and antioxidant balance.
Composite matrices from group rings, composite G-codes and constructions of self-dual codes
Authors: Dougherty Steven T. , Gildea Joe , Korban Adrian , Kaya Abidin
Published: May 2021

In this work, we define composite matrices which are derived from group rings. We extend the idea of G-codes to composite G-codes. We show that these codes are ideals in a group ring, where the ring is a finite commutative Frobenius ring and G is an arbitrary finite group. We prove that the dual of a composite G-code is also a composite G-code. We also define quasi-composite G-codes. Additionally, we study generator matrices, which consist of the identity matrices and the composite matrices. Together with the generator matrices, the well known extension method, the neighbour method and its generalization, we find extremal binary self-dual codes of length 68 with new weight enumerators for the rare parameters $$\gamma =7,8$$

γ
=
7
,
8

and 9. In particular, we find 49 new such codes. Moreover, we show that the codes we find are inaccessible from other construction
High precision particle astrophysics as a new window on the universe with an Antimatter Large Acceptance Detector In Orbit (ALADInO)
Authors: Battiston R. , Bertucci B. , Adriani O. , Ambrosi G. , Baudouy B. , Blasi P. , Boezio M. , Campana D. , Derome L. , De Mitri I. , Di Felice V. , Donato F. , Duranti M. , Formato V. , Grasso D. , Gebauer I. , Iuppa R. , Masi N. , Maurin D. , Mazziotta M. N. , Musenich R. , Nozzoli F. , Papini P. , Picozza P. , Pearce M. , Pospíšil S. , Rossi L. , Tomassetti N. , Vagelli V. , Wu X.
Published: May 2021

Multimessenger astrophysics is based on the detection, with the highest possible accuracy, of the cosmic radiation. During the last 20 years, the advent space-borne magnetic spectrometers in space (AMS-01, Pamela, AMS-02), able to measure the charged cosmic radiation separating matter from antimatter, and to provide accurate measurement of the rarest components of Cosmic Rays (CRs) to the highest possible energies, have become possible, together with the ultra-precise measurement of ordinary CRs. These developments started the era of precision Cosmic Ray physics providing access to a rich program of high-energy astrophysics addressing fundamental questions like matter-antimatter asymmetry, indirect detection for Dark Matter and the detailed study of origin, acceleration and propagation of CRs and their interactions with the interstellar medium.

In this paper we address the above-mentioned scientific questions, in the context of a second generation, large acceptance, superconducting magnetic spectrometer proposed as mission in the context of the European Space Agency’s Voyage2050 long-term plan: the Antimatter Large Acceptance Detector In Orbit (ALADInO) would extend by about two orders of magnitude in energy and flux sensitivity the separation between charged particles/anti-particles, making it uniquely suited for addressing and potentially solving some of the most puzzling issues of modern cosmology.
Multifactor Variance Assessment for Determining the Number of Repeat Simulation Runs in Evacuation Modelling
Authors: Smedberg Erik , Kinsey Michael , Ronchi Enrico
Published: May 2021

Evacuation models commonly employ pseudorandom sampling from distributions to represent the variability of human behaviour in the evacuation process, otherwise referred to as ‘behavioural uncertainty’. This paper presents a method based on functional analysis and inferential statistics to study the convergence of probabilistic evacuation model results to inform deciding how many repeat simulation runs are required for a given scenario. Compared to existing approaches which typically focus on measuring variance in evacuation times, the proposed method utilises multifactor variance to assess the convergence of a range of different evacuation model outputs, referred to as factors. The factors include crowd density, flowrates, occupant locations, exit usage, and queuing times. These factors were selected as they represent a range of means to assess variance in evacuation dynamics between repeat simulation runs and can be found in most evacuation models. The application of the method (along with a tool developed for its implementation) is demonstrated through two case studies. The first case study consists of an analysis of convergence in evacuation simulation results for a building including 1855 occupants. The second case study is a simple verification test aimed at demonstrating the capabilities of the method. Results from the case studies suggest that multifactor variance assessment provides a more holistic assessment of the variance in evacuation dynamics and results provided by an evacuation model compared to existing methods which adopt single factor analysis. This provides increased confidence in determining an appropriate number of repeat simulation runs to ensure key evacuation dynamics and results which may be influenced by pseudorandom sampling are represented.
Comparative analysis of in vitro accelerated glistening formation in foldable hydrophobic intraocular lenses
Authors: Tandogan Tamer , Auffarth Gerd U. , Choi Chul Young , Son Hyeck-Soo , Khoramnia Ramin
Published: May 2021

Purpose

To analyse and compare the propensity to form glistenings in 4 different types of hydrophobic acrylic intraocular lenses (IOLs): Alcon AcrySof ® MA60AC, HOYA iSert® PC-60AD, Bausch&Lomb enVista, and Kowa Avansee™ PU6A.

Methods

We used an accelerated laboratory method to create glistenings. IOLs were first immersed in saline at 45 °C for 24 h and then at 37 °C for 2.5 h. Microvacuole (MV) density and size were documented and calculated using an image analysis program.

Results

Median density of glistenings [MV/mm2] for Alcon AcrySof ® MA60AC was 623 (range 507–804), for HOYA iSert® PC-60AD 1358 (range 684–2699), for Bausch&Lomb enVista 2 (range 1–2), and for Kowa Avansee™ PU6A 1 (range 1–4). The prevailing MV size was: 0–5 µm for Hoya IOLs, 5–10 µm for Alcon IOLs, 20–50 µm for Bausch&Lomb IOLs, and 5–50 µm for Kowa IOLs.

Conclusions

Glistenings could be induced in all studied IOLs using the accelerated laboratory method. The Alcon AcrySof ® MA60AC and HOYA iSert® PC-60AD IOLs showed MV of high density, while the glistenings in the Hoya IOLs were smaller in size compared to the Alcon IOLs. The MV density was minimal in the Bausch&Lomb enVista and Kowa Avansee™ PU6A IOLs. The propensity of the Alcon AcrySof ® MA60AC IOLs to form glistenings in vitro correlated with the findings of clinical results that are already published.
Impairment of Cognitive Function in Different Domains Early After Lung Transplantation
Authors: Tomasi Roland , Klemm Mathias , Hinske Christian Ludwig , Hulde Nikolai , Schramm René , Zwißler Bernhard , von Dossow Vera
Published: May 2021

In this prospective observational pilot study patients with the diagnosis of end-stage lung disease and listed for lung transplantation underwent a cognitive function test battery before and after lung transplantation to investigate postoperative cognitive function in three domains (visual and verbal memory, executive functioning, concentration/speed of processing). Additionally we investigated intraoperative risk factors for postoperative cognitive dysfunction. In total, 24 patients were included in this pilot study. The incidence of postoperative cognitive dysfunction was 58.3%. In the cognitive dysfunction group, the domains executive functioning and concentration/attention were significantly impaired whereas memory was not affected. Patients with cognitive impairment had a significantly longer ICU stay. The strongest independent risk factor for the development of cognitive dysfunction was operation time. No influence of cerebral oxygen desaturations on cognitive dysfunction was found. This might have important implications for early psychological rehabilitation strategies in this high-risk patient collective.
Finite volume approach for fragmentation equation and its mathematical analysis
Authors: Singh Mehakpreet , Walker Gavin
Published: May 2021

This work is focused on developing a finite volume scheme for approximating a fragmentation equation. The mathematical analysis is discussed in detail by examining thoroughly the consistency and convergence of the numerical scheme. The idea of the proposed scheme is based on conserving the total mass and preserving the total number of particles in the system. The proposed scheme is free from the trait that the particles are concentrated at the representative of the cells. The verification of the scheme is done against the analytical solutions for several combinations of standard fragmentation kernel and selection functions. The numerical testing shows that the proposed scheme is highly accurate in predicting the number distribution function and various moments. The scheme has the tendency to capture the higher order moments even though no measure has been taken for their accuracy. It is also shown that the scheme is second-order convergent on both uniform and nonuniform grids. Experimental order of convergence is used to validate the theoretical observations of convergence.
On Efficiency and Localisation for the Torsion Function
Authors: Berg M. van den , Bucur D. , Kappeler T.
Published: May 2021

We consider the torsion function for the Dirichlet Laplacian −Δ, and for the Schrödinger operator −Δ + V on an open set ${\Omega }\subset \mathbb {R}^{m}$
Ω
⊂

ℝ

m

of finite Lebesgue measure $0<|{\Omega }|<\infty $
0
<
|
Ω
|
<
∞
with a real-valued, non-negative, measurable potential V. We investigate the efficiency and the phenomenon of localisation for the torsion function, and their interplay with the geometry of the first Dirichlet eigenfunction.
Automated synthesis of steady-state continuous processes using reinforcement learning
Authors: Göttl Quirin , Grimm Dominik G. , Burger Jakob
Published: May 2021

Automated flowsheet synthesis is an important field in computer-aided process engineering. The present work demonstrates how reinforcement learning can be used for automated flowsheet synthesis without any heuristics or prior knowledge of conceptual design. The environment consists of a steady-state flowsheet simulator that contains all physical knowledge. An agent is trained to take discrete actions and sequentially build up flowsheets that solve a given process problem. A novel method named SynGameZero is developed to ensure good exploration schemes in the complex problem. Therein, flowsheet synthesis is modelled as a game of two competing players. The agent plays this game against itself during training and consists of an artificial neural network and a tree search for forward planning. The method is applied successfully to a reaction-distillation process in a quaternary system.
Influence of selected biogenic amines on development and demographic parameters of a temperate population of Cinara (Cupressobium) cupressi (Hemiptera, Aphididae)
Authors: Wieczorek Karina , Świątek Piotr , Durak Roma
Published: May 2021

Cinara (Cupressobium) cupressi, the cypress aphid, is a serious pest of Cupressus spp. and other Cupressaceae, considered to be one of the world’s 100 worst invasive alien species. The potential influence of selected biogenic amines (tryptamine, tyramine, putrescine, and cadaverine) on development and demographic parameters of a temperate population of the cypress aphid was investigated under laboratory conditions. Within parthenogenetic generations, the use of biogenic amines resulted in a significant reduction in the total fecundity and the average daily fecundity both in the fundatrix (F0) and the fundatrigeniae (F1), whereas this influence in the F5 generation was insignificant. In all parthenogenetic generations treated with amines, the dissected female abdomen contained a greater number of mature embryos compared to control samples. Cadaverine caused marked changes in the body length of all viviparous generations studied and a significant reduction in the number of developing embryos, compared to the control sample. The use of biogenic amines did not significantly affect the number of eggs produced by oviparous females but had an impact on their lifespan. Our results indicate that biogenic amines application may disrupt feeding behavior and thus leads to reduced fecundity, consistent with the observation of reduced embryo production. Consequently, bioamines can be used as an alternative agents to control this important pest species.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: The function of Cav-1 in
MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell migration and invasion induced by ectopic ATP5B
Authors: Dong Xinjie , Li Yilei , Li Wei , Kang Wenzhe , Tang Rong , Wu Wenyi , Xing Ziyi , Zhou Lijuan
Published: May 2021

Ectopic ATP5B, which is located in a unique type of lipid raft caveolar
structure, can be upregulated by cholesterol loading. As the structural component of
caveolae, Cav-1 is a molecular hub that is involved in transmembrane signaling. In a
previous study, the ATP5B-specific binding peptide B04 was shown to inhibit the migration
and invasion of prostate cancer cells, and the expression of ATP5B on the plasma membrane of
MDA-MB-231 cells was confirmed. The present study investigated the effect of ectopic ATP5B
on the migration and invasion of MDA-MB-231 cells and examined the involvement of Cav-1.
Cholesterol loading increased the level of ectopic ATP5B and promoted cell migration and
invasion. These effects were blocked by B04. Ectopic ATP5B was physically colocalized with
Cav-1, as demonstrated by double immunofluorescence staining and coimmunoprecipitation.
After Cav-1 knockdown, the migration and invasion abilities of MDA-MB-231 cells were
significantly decreased, suggesting that Cav-1 influences the function of ectopic ATP5B.
Furthermore, these effects were not reversed after treatment with cholesterol. We concluded
that Cav-1 may participate in MDA-MB-231 cell migration and invasion induced by binding to
ectopic ATP5B.
Vascular-confined multi-passage discoidal nanoconstructs for the low-dose docetaxel inhibition of triple-negative breast cancer growth
Authors: Felici Alessia , Di Mascolo Daniele , Ferreira Miguel , Lauciello Simone , Bono Luca , Armirotti Andrea , Pitchaimani Arunkumar , Palange Anna Lisa , Decuzzi Paolo
Published: May 2021

Taxane efficacy in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is limited by insufficient tumor accumulation and severe off-target effects. Nanomedicines offer a unique opportunity to enhance the anti-cancer potency of this drug. Here, 1,000 nm × 400 nm discoidal polymeric nanoconstructs (DPN) encapsulating docetaxel (DTXL) and the near infrared compound lipid-Cy5 were engineered. DPN were obtained by filling multiple times cylindrical wells in a poly(vinyl alcohol) template with a polymer mixture comprising poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEG-DA) chains together with therapeutic and imaging agents. The resulting “multi-passage” DPN exhibited higher DTXL loading, lipid-Cy5 stability, and stiffness as compared to the conventional “single-passage” approach. Confocal microscopy confirmed that DTXL-DPN were not taken up by MDA-MB-231 cells but would rather sit next to the cell membrane and slowly release DTXL thereof. Empty DPN had no toxicity on TNBC cells, whereas DTXL-DPN presented a cytotoxic potential comparable to free DTXL (IC50 = 2.6 nM ± 1.0 nM vs. 7.0 nM ± 1.09 nM at 72 h). In orthotopic murine models, DPN accumulated in TNBC more efficiently than free-DTXL. With only 2 mg/kg DTXL, intravenously administered every 2 days for a total of 13 treatments, DTXL-DPN induced tumor regression and were associated to an overall 80% survival rate as opposed to a 30% survival rate for free-DTXL, at 120 days. All untreated mice succumbed before 90 days. Collectively, this data demonstrates that vascular confined multi-passage DPN, biomimicking the behavior of circulating platelets, can efficiently deliver chemotherapeutic molecules to malignant tissues and effectively treat orthotopic TNBC at minimal taxane doses.
De novo hydroponics system efficiency for the cuttings of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.)
Authors: Zhao Zhili , Zhang Wenyu , Liu Yang , Li Shuai , Yao Wu , Sun Xiaohui , Li Siyu , Ma Lichao , Sun Juan , Yang Qingchuan , Li Yongxiang , Yang Guofeng , Wang Zeng-Yu , Cong Lili
Published: May 2021

The legume plant alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is a widely cultivated perennial forage due to its high protein content, palatability, and strong adaptability to diverse agro-ecological zones. Alfalfa is a self-incompatible cross-pollinated autotetraploid species with tetrasomic inheritance. Therefore, maintaining excellent traits through seed reproduction is a prime challenge in alfalfa. However, the cutting propagation technology could enable consistent multiplication of quality plants that are genetically identical to the parent plant. The current study aimed to develop a simple, cost-effective, reproducible, and efficient hydroponic cutting method to preserve alfalfa plants and for molecular research. In this study, alfalfa landrace ‘Wudi’ was grown in hydroponics for 30 days and used as source material for cuttings. The top, middle and bottom sections of its stem were used as cuttings. The rooting rate, root length, and stem height of the different stem sections were compared to determine the best segment for alfalfa propagation in four nutrient treatments (HM, HM + 1/500H, HM + 1/1000H and d HM + 1/2000H). After 21 days of culture, the rooting rates of all the three stem types under four cutting nutrient solutions were above 78%. The rooting rate of the middle and bottom parts in HM + 1/1000 H and HM + 1/2000 H nutrient solutions reached more than 93%, with a higher health survey score (> 4.70). In conclusion, this study developed a de novo cutting propagation method that can be used to conserve and propagate germplasm in breeding programs and research. This method is a new report on the cutting propagation of alfalfa by hydroponics, which could supplement the existing cutting propagation methods.
Process monitoring for material extrusion additive manufacturing: a state-of-the-art review
Authors: Oleff Alexander , Küster Benjamin , Stonis Malte , Overmeyer Ludger
Published: May 2021

Qualitative uncertainties are a key challenge for the further industrialization of additive manufacturing. To solve this challenge, methods for measuring the process states and properties of parts during additive manufacturing are essential. The subject of this review is in-situ process monitoring for material extrusion additive manufacturing. The objectives are, first, to quantify the research activity on this topic, second, to analyze the utilized technologies, and finally, to identify research gaps. Various databases were systematically searched for relevant publications and a total of 221 publications were analyzed in detail. The study demonstrated that the research activity in this field has been gaining importance. Numerous sensor technologies and analysis algorithms have been identified. Nonetheless, research gaps exist in topics such as optimized monitoring systems for industrial material extrusion facilities, inspection capabilities for additional quality characteristics, and standardization aspects. This literature review is the first to address process monitoring for material extrusion using a systematic and comprehensive approach.
Corrigendum to: The asymptotic profile of an eta-theta quotient related to entanglement entropy in string theory
Authors: Males Joshua
Published: May 2021

This corrigendum serves to correct the article [1, Theorem 1.1]. In doing so, we correct the proof and statement of Theorem 3.7, and see that one may disregard Proposition 3.4, Lemma 3.5 and Proposition 3.6.
Optimized integrated design of a high-frequency medical ultrasound transducer with genetic algorithm
Authors: Babazadeh Khameneh Ali , Chabok Hamid Reza , Nejat Pishkenari Hossein
Published: May 2021

Designing efficient acoustic stack and elements for high-frequency (HF) medical ultrasound (US) transducers involves various interrelated parameters. So far, optimizing spatial resolution and acoustic field intensity simultaneously has been a daunting task in the area of HF medical US imaging. Here, we introduce optimized design for a 50-MHz US probe for skin tissue imaging. We have developed an efficient design and simulation approach using Krimholtz, Leedom and Matthaei (KLM) equivalent circuit model and spatial impulse response method by means of Field II software. These KLM model and Field II software are integrated, and a GA algorithm is used to optimize the design of the US transducer to obtain the best imaging performance. As a result, a 50-MHz single element probe is effectively optimized with 5 mm acoustic focal length, 72 $$\upmu {\text{m}}$$

μ
m

lateral, and 42 $$\upmu {\text{m}}$$

μ
m

axial imaging resolution, with an enhancement in imaging resolution over the conventionally designed and simulated probe by 10%. This work has the potential to benefit many applications that require a fast, high-resolution and strong US focus in skin imaging.
A cluster analysis of dynamics in adolescent romantic relationships
Authors: Couture Stéphanie , Fernet Mylène , Hébert Martine
Published: May 2021

Introduction

While several studies involving adolescents have addressed issues related to romantic relationships and dating violence, there is a limited understanding of adolescent romantic relationship dynamics. Typological analyses have been useful to provide targeted interventions and to simplify our understanding of complex phenomena.

Methods

This study explored dynamics in adolescent romantic relationships, considering the interaction between romantic partner characteristics to identify dyadic profiles. A sample of 90 heterosexual dyads of Canadian adolescents (Mage = 18.44 years, SD = 1.47) completed a self‐reported questionnaire. A hierarchical cluster analysis was conducted based on the dimensions of the Circumplex Model of Marital and Family Systems (i.e., cohesion, flexibility, and communication; Olson & Gorall, 2003).

Results

Analysis revealed four profiles of romantic relationship dynamics: 1) balanced dynamic (51.0% of the sample); 2) hampered dynamic (8.3%); 3) entangled dynamic (20.8%); and 4) rigid dynamic (13.5%). Taking into account the variations between and within dyads, results highlight the diversity of romantic experiences and offer a better understanding of the intricacies of different adolescent romantic relationship dynamics. Correlates indicated that the profiles can be distinguished by different personal and interpersonal characteristics.

Conclusion

This study emphasizes the importance of integrating a more person‐ and dyad‐oriented framework in our understanding of adolescent romantic dynamics, since a unique approach to prevention and intervention may not address the needs of all adolescents. The results provided important insight into the identified profiles, guiding dating violence prevention efforts and programs and promoting harmonious and egalitarian romantic relationships.
Humanitarian Training With Virtual Simulation During a Pandemic
Authors: Kivlehan Sean M. , Tenney Kathryne , Plasmati Sam , Bollettino Vincenzo , Farineau Katie , Nilles Eric J. , Gottlieb Greg , Kayden Stephanie R.
Published: May 2021

There is an ongoing and established need for humanitarian training and professionalization. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic disrupted training programs designed to accomplish this goal, including the Humanitarian Response Intensive Course, which includes a 3-d immersive simulation to prepare humanitarian workers for future field work. To provide program continuity, the 3-d simulation was quickly adapted to a virtual format using a combination of video conferencing, short messaging service, and cloud-based file storage software. Participants were geographically dispersed and participated virtually. Learning objectives were preserved, while some components not amenable to a virtual format were removed.

A virtual humanitarian training simulation is a feasible, acceptable, and affordable alternative to an in-person simulation. Participants were engaged and experienced minimal technological disruptions. The majority of students believed the format met or exceeded expectations. However, feedback also emphasized the importance of providing sufficient time for team collaboration and deliverable preparation in the simulation schedule. The virtual format was more affordable than the traditional in-person simulation, and diverse expert faculty who could not have attended in-person were able to participate. This format could be used to overcome other barriers to in-person simulation training, including geographic, financial, time, or security.
Forecasting COVID-19 Cases Based on Social Distancing in Maryland, USA: A Time–Series Approach
Authors: Cruz-Cano Raul , Ma Tianzhou , Yu Yifan , Lee Minha , Liu Hongjie
Published: May 2021

Objective:

Our objective is to forecast the number of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases in the state of Maryland, United States, using transfer function time series (TS) models based on a Social Distancing Index (SDI) and determine how their parameters relate to the pandemic mechanics.

Methods:

A moving window of 2 mo was used to train the transfer function TS model that was then tested on the next week data. After accounting for a secular trend and weekly cycle of the SDI, a high correlation was documented between it and the daily caseload 9 days later. Similar patterns were also observed on the daily COVID-19 cases and incorporated in our models.

Results:

In most cases, the proposed models provide a reasonable performance that was, on average, moderately better than that delivered by TS models based only on previous observations. The model coefficients associated with the SDI were statistically significant for most of the training/test sets.

Conclusions:

Our proposed models that incorporate SDI can forecast the number of COVID-19 cases in a region. Their parameters have real-life interpretations and, hence, can help understand the inner workings of the epidemic. The methods detailed here can help local health governments and other agencies adjust their response to the epidemic.
New AMS Radiocarbon Ages from the Preceramic Levels of Coxcatlan Cave, Puebla, Mexico: A Pleistocene Occupation of the Tehuacan Valley?
Authors: Somerville Andrew D. , Casar Isabel , Arroyo-Cabrales Joaquín
Published: May 2021

Archaeological studies at Coxcatlan Cave in the Tehuacan Valley of southern Puebla, Mexico, have been instrumental to the development of the chronology for the region and for our understanding of the origins of food production in the Americas. This article refines the Preceramic chronology of the Tehuacan Valley by presenting 14 new accelerated mass spectrometry (AMS) radiocarbon ages from faunal bone samples uncovered from early depositional levels of the rock shelter. Although bones associated with the El Riego (9893–7838 cal BP), Coxcatlan (7838–6375 cal BP), and Abejas (6375–4545 cal BP) phase zones of the cave yielded ages similar to those of the previously proposed chronology for the region, bones from the Ajuereado phase zones at the base of the cave yielded surprisingly old ages that range from 33,448 to 28,279 cal BP, a time prior to the Last Glacial Maximum. Because these early ages are many thousands of years older than current models estimate for the peopling of the Americas, they require reassessments of the artifacts and ecofacts excavated from these early zones.