bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparation of W-Cr powder via the magnesiothermic reduction of trirutile Cr2WO6
Authors: Kolosov V N , Miroshnichenko M N , Prokhorova T Yu
Published: June 2021

The process of producing W-Cr powders by the reduction of trirutile Cr2WO6 with magnesium vapor in the temperature range 700–850 °C at residual pressure of 5-20 kPa was studied. W-Cr powders with a specific surface area at the level of 43-47 m2⋅g−1 were obtained. The resulting W-Cr powders are characterized by a mesoporous structure.
Comparison of the structure and properties of samples from TI-6AL-4V alloy received on different printers for 3D printing
Authors: Skvortsova S V , Spektor V S , Ivanov A E , Trusov P A , Duvidzon V G
Published: June 2021

In this work, we compared the samples obtained by additive technologies. Samples for the study were printed on two different printers using similar DMLS and DMLM technologies. Printing was carried out according to the CAD model data. The printing was performed using the manufacturer’s recommended print settings. For printing, we used powders recommended by the manufacturer for these printer models. In the course of the work, the structure and roughness parameters in the initial state were compared. The heat treatment mode was selected. The effect of vacuum annealing on the structure as well as mechanical properties such as uniaxial tension, KCU and fatigue strength was investigated. Based on the results of the work, a conclusion was made about the improvement of 3D printing, as a result of which the products obtained using additive technologies after heat treatment are not inferior in properties to products obtained using industrial technology from a similar alloy.
Application of fragmentary model to analysis of the atomic structure of amorphous materials
Authors: Aleinikova K B , Zinchenko E N , Zmeikin A A
Published: June 2021

Experimental atomic radial distribution functions, obtained from diffraction amorphous materials, are proposed to be interpreted using the model curves built upon the complete structural data of crystal analogues or upon the separate fragments of their structure. This modelling technique is called a fragmentary model. A model atomic radial distribution function is a radial cross section of the spherically symmetric function of interatomic distances. It characterises a nanodispersed diffraction amorphous polycrystal as uniquely as the values of interplanar spacings and intensities characterise a regular polycrystal. Comparing the model and experimental atomic radial distribution functions by the maxima positions we can perform the “identification” and “phase analysis” of nanodispersed diffraction amorphous polycrystals and define the crystalline compounds whose fragments form the structure of glass.
Application of AFM, TEM, and NTA for characterization of exosomes produced by placenta-derived mesenchymal cells
Authors: Bagrov D V , Senkovenko A M , Nikishin I I , Skryabin G O , Kopnin P B , Tchevkina E M
Published: June 2021

Exosomes and microvesicles usually require characterization at the single-particle level. The most commonly used methods for this purpose are transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA). However, atomic force microscopy (AFM) is also a promising method for the characterization of exosomes, and its opportunities seem underestimated. Here we describe the characterization of exosomes isolated from the conditioned media of human placenta cells using AFM, TEM, and NTA; we focus on the technical aspects of AFM imaging and data processing.
Comparison of magnetic and mechanical properties of powder Fe-Cr-Co alloys with different cobalt content obtained at various sintering temperatures
Authors: Ustyukhin A S , Zelensky V A , Milyaev I M , Ankudinov A B , Shustov V S
Published: June 2021

In present work, we studied the effect of sintering temperature and thermomagnetic treatment (TMT) on the magnetic hysteresis characteristics of the Fe-30Cr-8Co, Fe-30Cr-12Co and Fe-30Cr-16Co (wt. %) powder alloys. All investigated powder alloys, sintered at temperature range of 1100-1400 °C have a high level of magnetic properties ensuring their technical application. The highest values of magnetic properties for all three investigated powder alloys are observed after sintering at 1350 °C: Br = 1,28 T, Hc = 44,3 kA/m, BH(max) = 39 kJ/m3-for Fe-30Cr-8Co alloy; Br = 1,28 T, Hc = 48,2 kA/m, BH(max) = 39,2 kJ/m3-for Fe-30Cr-12Co alloy and Br = 1,23 T, Hc = 54,9 kA/m, BH(max) = 37,6 kJ/m3-for Fe-30Cr-16Co alloy. For Fe-30Cr-8Co alloy it was observed that additional annealing at 500 and 480 °C slightly increases the magnetic properties. For Fe-30Cr-12Co and Fe-30Cr-16Co alloys, there is no clear tendency regarding the effect of additional annealing on the magnetic properties. Compression tests of powder alloys Fe-30Cr-8Co and Fe-30Cr-16Co sintered in the temperature range 1100-1400 °C have shown that the yield strength σ0.2 of the Fe-30Cr-16Co alloy samples (970 – 1080 MPa) are higher compared to the Fe-30Cr-8Co alloy (710 – 930 MPa) throughout the entire sintering temperature range but Fe-30Cr-8Co alloy have a better ductility compared with Fe-30Cr-16Co alloy. Maximum values of σ0.2 were obtained on samples sintered at 1100 °C.
Study in fatty acids of tall oils and their products of esterification by the method of IR spectrometry for analytical control of preparation of esters
Authors: Govorin A S , Konovalov N P , Gubanov N D
Published: June 2021

Tall oil fatty acids are a by-product of the sulfate pulping of cellulose. The field of application of tall oil fatty acids is currently limited to the production of polyhydric alcohol esters (glycerol, etriol, and pentaerythritol, primarily, for the production of alkyds); ethanolamides; disproportionated and dimer acids (including amides based on them); imidazolines; salts; as well as lower alkyl esters. However, tall oil fatty acids have the potential to be used as a basis for the synthesis of motor oils and their additives, additives to diesel fuel, as well as raw materials for the production of biodiesel fuel.
DFT modeling of concentration dependences of mixing energy, structural properties and distribution of atomic magnetic moments by Fe-V system sigma-phase lattices for the ground state
Authors: Kupavtsev M V , Udovsky A L
Published: June 2021

The region of existence of the sigma-phase of the Fe-V system was studied. The calculations carried out using the licensed package of quantum mechanical calculations WIEN2k. The dependences of the mixing energy and partial magnetic moments of Fe atoms in alloys of the Fe-V system, located on different sublattices depending on the composition, was obtained.
Magnetite concentrate from coal fly ash of Kashirskaya GRES- the raw material for the production of metal products by reduction smelting
Authors: Zinoveev D V , Delicyn L M , Ryabov Y V , Kulumbegov R V , Zakunov A S , Dyubanov V G
Published: June 2021

Coal fly ash is a hazardous waste of heat power engineering. The complex processing of it includes several stages, such as carbon flotation and magnetic separation of iron. This study focuses on carbon extraction by flotation method and iron by magnetic separation method from Kashirskaya GRES coal fly ash with subsequent reduction smelting of it. At optimal conditions were obtained carbon concentrate with 37% C and magnetic concentrate with 61% Fe2O3. The high-quality steelmaking pig iron with low P and S and high alumina slag were obtained at 1400 °C after reduction smelting mixture magnetic, and carbon concentrates.
Innovative technologies for growing of mini-tubers in virus-free potato seed production
Authors: Gerieva F T , Morgoev T A
Published: June 2021

The article describes the method of growing of potatoes mini-tubers in three ways: aeroponic, hydroponic and aero-hydroponic. All three modules were installed at the experimental sites of the North Caucasus Research Institute of Mountain and Foothill Agriculture. Studies have shown that the installed aero-hydroponic modules in plastic foil houses significantly increased the percentage of economic efficiency, since the cultivation of mini-tubers can be carried out in two turns: the first from April to July; the second from August to November.
Application of concrete modified with TiO2 to reduce anthracene concentration
Authors: Tatarinov D A , Sokolnikova S R , Myslitskaya N A , Puzatova A V
Published: June 2021

In this study, samples of fine-grained concrete with the additive T1O2 microparticles were made. The photocatalytic properties of TiO2 for the decomposition of anthracene in solutions under UV irradiation were studied. To evaluate the efficiency of photodegradation, the method of luminescence analysis was used. For improving the quality of the analyzed solutions, model surfaces were made based on chitosan with the addition of TiO2. According to the results of the experiments, it was found that the degree of photodegradation of anthracene in solutions using solid chitosan-TiO2 matrices reaches 74% after 60 minutes under UV irradiation. The conducted studies confirm the feasibility of using chitosan-TiO2 matrices as model surfaces for studying the photocatalytic properties of TiO2 for the oxidation of anthracene.
Development of agrotechnical methods for growing tall blueberries in the open field
Authors: Akimova S V , Samoshenkov E G , Voskoboinikov Yu V , Matskevich M P , Matskevich P P , Bulanov A E
Published: June 2021

When growing tall blueberries in open ground on a substrate consisting of a mixture of high-moor peat, litter of conifers in a ratio of 2: 1, varietal differences of the studied varieties for the developed methods were revealed: planting on a flat surface; on ridges 25-35 cm high and 50-60 cm wide; on a flat surface with pine sawdust mulching (6-8 cm); on ridges 25-35 cm high and 50-60 cm wide with mulching with pine sawdust (6-8 cm); on a flat surface with root ball undercuts. When cultivating the Bluecrop variety, the best results were obtained when planting plants on ridges 25-35 cm high and 50-60 cm wide with additional mulching with pine sawdust, the total growth of the current year on average over two years of research was 758.0 cm against 516.8 cm in control, and the yield was 872.0 g versus 737.0 g. When growing the Elizabeth variety, the best results were obtained when planting plants on a flat surface with additional mulching with pine sawdust, the total growth of the current year on average for two years was 740.5 cm versus 605, 1 cm in the control, and the yield-428 g versus 216 g. Both studied varieties have a responsiveness to the use of mulching.
Plant protection technologies: from advanced to innovative
Authors: Belyakov N V , Nikolina N V
Published: June 2021

The purpose of this study is to analyze the readiness to use innovative technologies for plant protection. The authors are interested in the readiness of specialists in the agricultural sector, scientists, agricoltors to introduce innovative technologies. The authors are conducting this research as part of the project "Social Research of Science and Technology". The authors review the existing plant protection methods and analyze their effectiveness. The authors reflected the agrotechnical method, the biological method, the chemical method, the physical and mechanical method, the integrative method and the innovative method of plant protection. Agricultural technologies are one of the most interesting sectors for investment. Innovations in science and technology, the availability of modern technologies and equipment make it possible to make agricultural production a high-tech business. In conclusion the authors note that for the full implementation and achievement of effective indicators it is necessary to do a lot of legal, economic, technological and organizational work.
The conidia Bipolaris sorokiniana Sacc. Shoem. distribution in the soil of Altai and Kazakhstan arid regions
Authors: Toropova E Yu , Glinushkin A P , Insebaeva M K , Stetsov G Ya
Published: June 2021

The purpose of the study was to assess the number and state of populations of B. sorokiniana conidia in the soil of agrocenoses and virgin areas. Studies were carried out in 2017-2021 in dry steppe regions of the Altai Territory (Russia) and Pavlodar Region (Kazakhstan) by conventional methods. For the experimental data analysis variance and correlation analytical methods were used. A comparative analysis of Bipolaris sorokiniana conidia populations in agrocenoses and virgin soils of arid areas was carried out. A significant phytopathogen conidia population in agrocenosis soils has been established, reaching 10.8 regional economic harmfulness thresholds in Altai and 16.6 thresholds in Kazakhstan. A lower population number in virgin soils was revealed in comparison with agrocenoses’ ones, which is associated with more active resting structures degradation. A clear tendency towards a decrease in the number of conidia with increasing depth was revealed, which manifests itself to different degrees in the regions and tillage systems, but has the same orientation: the upper layer (0-5 cm) is populated several times stronger than the lower (10-15 cm) one. The phytosanitary precursors in both regions (fallow, sunflower, pees, oat with vetch, sweet clover) reduced the conidia number in the soil on average 59%; they significantly increased the conidia proportion with the degradation signs-average by 27.1%. Soil suppressive activity against B. sorokiniana increased significantly (on 19.8-38.3%) after cultivation of phytosanitary predecessors, especially rape.
Parasitic activity of plant pathogens at the underground organs of spring wheat in the West Siberia
Authors: Toropova E Yu , Vorob’ova I G , Kirichenko A A , Trunov R I
Published: June 2021

The purpose of the research was to determine the factors of soil phytopathogens parasitic activity at the underground organs of spring wheat varieties, to clarify the etiology of root rot during the growing season. The studies were carried out in 2020-2021 in the northern forest-steppe of the Ob region (West Siberia) using generally accepted methods. A high parasitic activity of soil phytopathogens was established during the entire growing season of spring wheat: the zonal threshold of harmfulness was exceeded at seedlings up to 2.8 times, at bloom stage to 5 times, and at ripeness stage up to 4 times. The host plants susceptibility to infection with phytopathogens increased during the growing season due to abiotic (drought) and biotic (cereal flies) stresses, which neutralized varietal differences. The main phytopathogens at the underground organs of 20 spring wheat varieties were Bipolaris sorokiniana Sacc. Shom. and Fusarium Link. fungi, the occurrence of which at all underground plant organs (primary roots, secondary roots, stem bases) during the growing season was 100%. The dominance of Fusarium fungi increased during the growing season of plants. The biological diversity of Fusarium fungi was maximal in the bloom phase (up to 7 species on secondary roots of one variety). The species composition of Fusarium fungi was represented by permanent species-F. poae (Peck.) Wollenw. and F. oxysporum Schltdl., additional species-F. sambucinum Fuck., F. graminearum Schwabe and F. equiseti (Corda) Sacc., rare-F. solani Koord., F. sporotrichioides Sherb., F. culmorum Sacc., F. heterosporum Nees., F. acuminatum Ellis & Verh. The succession of Fusarium fungi in the system of plant organs and in the phases of vegetation was revealed, and the parameters of realized ecological niches overlap of Fusarium fungi species were determined.
Remote fiber optic sensor for monitoring the radiological situation
Authors: Dmitrieva D S , Pilipova V M , Diuldin M V
Published: June 2021

The necessity of remote monitoring the radiological situation in the different areas of nuclear power plants, adjacent territories, etc. is sustained. One of the most important conditions for this control is the duration of the system work (for ten or more years) without human intervention (only in a special case). It is noted that a feature of this environmental monitoring for the presence of radiation is the ability to transmit information over long distance in real time without distortion. And constant receipt of information about the value of the exposure dose in the sensor area is also important. In a case of using the system of a large number of sensors, there are no problems information processing, because it is contained in the optical signal. The design of the fiber optic communication line with using the fiber optic sensor is proposed. The measurement limits of the exposure dose of radiation are marked. The results of experimental researches of various fibers for using in these sensors are presented. The method of radiation control with their use is determined.
Investigation of the effect of contamination with chemical elements on changes in the content of clay fraction in sandy-clay rocks
Authors: Cheremisin A V , Gryaznova E M
Published: June 2021

The reasons for soil pollution that causes deviations in the mineral composition are considered. It is noted that changes in the chemical composition of the soil lead to a change in various fractions. This process is considered on the example of clay fractions. The sandy-clay rocks of the Leningrad region in the Russian Federation are considered. Modeling of situations on taking samples of rocks for research has been performed. Comparison of the calculations with the results of express control of the state of rocks by other methods is carried out. The method for determining the content of clay fraction in sandy-clay rocks has been determined.
Studies of the influence of the emission of harmful substances into the atmosphere with using automated systems in a car
Authors: Cheremisin A V , Makeev S S , Logunov S E , Mozhayko A A
Published: June 2021

The article considers the problem of increasing fuel economy and environmental friendliness of passenger cars. It was discovered that the effective ambient temperature, the color of the opaque body elements, the power of the internal combustion engine and the volume of the passenger compartment affect the fuel consumption and the amount of specific emissions of harmful substances with exhaust gases when using the “climate control” system. The results of experimental studies have established the dependence of fuel consumption and the share of reducing emissions of harmful substances with exhaust gases of cars with a “"climate control” system on the coefficient of light reflection. It developed a method of reducing fuel consumption and the amount of specific emissions of harmful substances with exhaust gases of passenger cars with a “climate control” system. The use of this method makes it possible to reduce fuel consumption by 5.5-10.3% and the specific emission of harmful substances by 0.8-2.3%.
Effect of heat treatment on the mechanical properties of stainless steel wire
Authors: Kaplan M A , Ivannikov A Yu , Gorbenko A D , Mikhailova A V , Kirsankin A A , Kalaida T A , Konushkin S V , Sevostyanov M A
Published: June 2021

The article is devoted to the study of the mechanical properties of austenitic stainless steel wire with a diameter of 1 mm after heat treatment. Mechanical properties were tested: strength and ductility of hardened and normalized stainless steel. According to the test results, it was found that heat treatment of steel allows obtaining maximum plasticity, while low strength, thus, it seems possible to use this heat treatment as a preparatory operation for the subsequent electric arc spraying of the wire and obtaining a spherical powder.
Diversity of soil micromycetes in winter wheat crops of the Volgograd region according to different predecessors
Authors: Budinkov N I , Poplevina V A , Mihaleva S N , Yarcev G F , Goncharov A G
Published: June 2021

The dynamics of the quantitative and qualitative composition of the soil microbiota of the rhizosphere and rhizoplana of plants during the growing season of winter wheat after the predecessors: winter wheat, spring wheat, chickpea and flax in 2017-2018 was studied. during the period of spring and autumn tillering, on the farms of the Volgograd region. The conducted field and laboratory studies made it possible to identify the predominant representatives of the microbiota. According to the research results, it was revealed that almost all samples were dominated by pathogenic fungi: Fusarium solani and Fusarium moniliforme, saprotrophic mucoral and non-spurulating fungi; Fusarium avenaceum was less common. Also, almost all samples contained the bacteria Pseudomonas spp., and Bacillus spp. Highly pathogenic fungi F. moniliforme were more often detected after cereal spike predecessors, less often after chickpea; F. oxysporum-mainly after chickpea and flax. Chickpeas and flax, with adequate control of pathogenic microbiota on the subsequent culture, are better predecessors for winter wheat in the Volgograd region than winter wheat and spring crops. Depending on the characteristics of the year of research, as well as the season of sampling, specificity in the formation of mushroom consortia was observed in the experimental fields. Thus, in the fall of 2018, previously unseen pathogenic fungi Fusarium sambucinum, F. gibbosum, F. sporotrichiella, an antagonist fungus Gliocladium virens were isolated from the soil. In some samples, the fungi Penicillium spp., in particular, P. purpurogenum, were present, which, due to the secreted phytotoxins, can inhibit the growth and development of plants. The toxin-forming fungus Aspergillus niger has also been isolated. A significant part of micromycetes isolated from soil samples are pathogenic for cultivated plants, including winter wheat. There were very few representatives of micromycetes-antagonists Trichoderma viride, Gliocladium virens in the soil, probably not enough to resist the accumulation of pathogens.
Prospects for using sapropel deposits to increase the resistance of plants to stress factors
Authors: Sviridova L L , Ovsyankina A V , Sevostyanov M A , Podkovyrov I Yu , Sycheva I , Aysuvakova T P , Glinushkin A P
Published: June 2021

Root rot is a disease of plants, which have weak plant resistance to pathogens (from seed or soil inoculum) and environmental factors. Depending on the cultivation zone, the degree of saturation with one crop, agricultural technologies and varieties, the species, racial, strain composition of pathogens is constantly changing. The manifestations of root rot at an early stage of plant development are especially harmful. Healthy seed is a contribution to successful production, but stressful factors often attack plants with infectious pathophlora in the soil. The article discusses the use of combined soil mixtures as a stimulating factor in increasing the stress resistance of plants with the further production of healthy plants and seed material, which is a necessary reality of modern scientific technologies.
Assessment of the stability of amino acid complexes of heavy metals to biodegradation in the aquatic environment
Authors: Demin D V , Aladin D Yu , Sevostyanov S M
Published: June 2021

Sodium salts of amino acids in solution have an alkaline reaction, which makes it possible to effectively bind metals into complex compounds, since in an alkaline medium, under the action of hydroxyl ions, the dissociation of amine groups is suppressed, and carboxyl groups remain dissociated, charging negatively, and behave like an anion.

In our experiments, we used an amino acid-based reagent. When processing various environments (objects) contaminated with heavy metals (HM) with this reagent, HM amino acid complexes are formed. In our experiments, we used an amino acid-based reagent. With processing various environments (objects) contaminated with heavy metals (HM) with this reagent are formed HM amino acid complexes.

Model experiments to assess the effect of microorganisms under aerobic conditions on the stability of amino acid complexes of heavy metals. After biodegradation of solutions with TM complexes, no more than 2-3% of heavy metals pass through the filter, which is ten times less than from untreated with the reagent solution.
Characterization of anomalous diffusion classical statistics powered by deep learning (CONDOR)
Authors: Gentili Alessia , Volpe Giorgio
Published: June 2021

Diffusion processes are important in several physical, chemical, biological and human phenomena. Examples include molecular encounters in reactions, cellular signalling, the foraging of animals, the spread of diseases, as well as trends in financial markets and climate records. Deviations from Brownian diffusion, known as anomalous diffusion (AnDi), can often be observed in these processes, when the growth of the mean square displacement in time is not linear. An ever-increasing number of methods has thus appeared to characterize anomalous diffusion trajectories based on classical statistics or machine learning approaches. Yet, characterization of anomalous diffusion remains challenging to date as testified by the launch of the AnDi challenge in March 2020 to assess and compare new and pre-existing methods on three different aspects of the problem: the inference of the anomalous diffusion exponent, the classification of the diffusion model, and the segmentation of trajectories. Here, we introduce a novel method (CONDOR) which combines feature engineering based on classical statistics with supervised deep learning to efficiently identify the underlying anomalous diffusion model with high accuracy and infer its exponent with a small mean absolute error in single 1D, 2D and 3D trajectories corrupted by localization noise. Finally, we extend our method to the segmentation of trajectories where the diffusion model and/or its anomalous exponent vary in time.
Pressure evolution of the electronic structure of non-centrosymmetric EuRhGe3
Authors: Utsumi Y , Batistić I , Balédent V , Shieh S R , Dhami N S , Bednarchuk O , Kaczorowski D , Ablett J M , Rueff J P
Published: June 2021

Among europium compounds, pressure induced valence transitions and/or intermediate valence states are often observed. In such systems, applying pressure of several GPa can drive a Eu valence from divalent to almost trivalent. Non-centrosymmetric EuRhGe3 possesses magnetic Eu2+ ions and exhibits antiferromagnetic ordering at ∼11 K at ambient pressure. Pressure resistant magnetic ordering and stable divalent Eu state have been reported in EuRhGe3. Here, we study the pressure evolution of the Eu valence of EuRhGe3 by high resolution x-ray absorption spectroscopy using the partial fluorescence yield method. Our study reveals a successive increase of the Eu valence with increasing pressure without any valence transition. The obtained mean Eu valence approaches ∼2.4 around 40 GPa at 300 K. The experimental data are also analyzed by a full multiplet configuration interaction calculation based on the single impurity Anderson model. The analysis reveals a decrease of the Eu 4f orbital occupation by applying pressure. Pressure evolution of the electronic structure studied by density functional theory suggests that the Rh ions have little contribution to the pressure evolution of the Eu valence, while it implies an active involvement of the Ge ions.
Participation in Collision Sports and Cognitive Aging Among Swedish Twins
Authors: Weiss Jordan , Rabinowitz Amanda R , Deshpande Sameer K , Hasegawa Raiden B , Small Dylan S
Published: June 2021

We examined the association between early-life participation in collision sports and later-life cognitive health over a 28-year period in a population-based sample drawn from the longitudinal Swedish Adoption/Twin Study of Aging (1987–2014). Cognitive measures included the Mini-Mental State Examination and performance across multiple cognitive domains (e.g., global cognition, verbal ability, spatial ability, memory, processing speed). Among a sample of 660 adults (mean age at baseline, 62.8 years (range: 50–88); 58.2% female), who contributed 10,944 person-years of follow-up, there were 450 cases of cognitive impairment (crude rate = 41.1/1,000 person-years). Early-life participation in collision sports was not significantly associated with cognitive impairment at baseline or with its onset over a 28-year period in a time-to-event analysis, which accounted for the semi-competing risk of death. Furthermore, growth curve models revealed no association between early-life participation in collision sports and the level of or change in trajectories of cognition across multiple domains overall or in sex-stratified models. We discuss the long-term implications of adolescent participation in collision sports on cognitive health.
Echoes of the Ius Commune
Authors: Vermeule Adrian
Published: June 2021

Professor Nicholas (Nick) Barber’s learned and intelligent book on The Principles of Constitutionalism is best understood as an exercise in Aristotelian naturalism and moral and constitutional realism, of a sort much more characteristic of the classical law than of modern positivism. In view of the book’s implicitly classical approach, it would have benefited, at a number of key junctures, from drawing upon the rich and enduring tradition of the ius commune. Barber often speaks in the register of the classical law, perhaps without knowing it. Doing so more often, and more explicitly, would have improved an already impressive work.
‘Lost, Enfeebled, and Deprived of Its Vital Effect’: Mill’s Exaggerated View of the Relation Between Conflict and Vitality
Authors: Simpson Robert Mark
Published: June 2021

Mill thinks our attitudes should be held in a way that’s active and ‘alive’. He believes attitudes that lack these qualities—those held dogmatically, or in unreflective conformity—are inimical to our well-being. This claim then serves as a premiss in his argument for overarching principles of liberty. He argues that attitudinal vitality, in the relevant sense, relies upon people experiencing (and being open to) attitudinal conflict, and that this necessitates a prioritization of personal liberties. I argue that, pace Mill, contestation isn’t required for attitudinal vitality. I describe one species of attitudinal vitality that isn’t reliant upon conflict.
Bayesian modeling of spatial molecular profiling data via Gaussian process
Authors: Li Qiwei , Zhang Minzhe , Xie Yang , Xiao Guanghua
Published: June 2021

Motivation

The location, timing and abundance of gene expression (both mRNA and proteins) within a tissue define the molecular mechanisms of cell functions. Recent technology breakthroughs in spatial molecular profiling, including imaging-based technologies and sequencing-based technologies, have enabled the comprehensive molecular characterization of single cells while preserving their spatial and morphological contexts. This new bioinformatics scenario calls for effective and robust computational methods to identify genes with spatial patterns.

Results

We represent a novel Bayesian hierarchical model to analyze spatial transcriptomics data, with several unique characteristics. It models the zero-inflated and over-dispersed counts by deploying a zero-inflated negative binomial model that greatly increases model stability and robustness. Besides, the Bayesian inference framework allows us to borrow strength in parameter estimation in a de novo fashion. As a result, the proposed model shows competitive performances in accuracy and robustness over existing methods in both simulation studies and two real data applications.

Availability and implementation

The related R/C++ source code is available at https://github.com/Minzhe/BOOST-GP.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Associations between Task-Related Modulation of Motor-Evoked Potentials and EEG Event-Related Desynchronization in Children with ADHD
Authors: Ewen Joshua B , Puts Nicolaas A , Mostofsky Stewart H , Horn Paul S , Gilbert Donald L
Published: June 2021

Children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have previously shown a decreased magnitude of event-related desynchronization (ERD) during a finger-tapping task, with a large between-group effect. Because the neurobiology underlying several transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) measures have been studied in multiple contexts, we compared ERD and 3 TMS measures (resting motor threshold [RMT], short-interval cortical inhibition [SICI], and task-related up-modulation [TRUM]) within 14 participants with ADHD (ages 8–12 years) and 17 control children. The typically developing (TD) group showed a correlation between greater RMT and greater magnitude of alpha (10–13 Hz, here) ERD, and there was no diagnostic interaction effect, consistent with a rudimentary model of greater needed energy input to stimulate movement. Similarly, inhibition measured by SICI was also greater in the TD group when the magnitude of movement-related ERD was higher; there was a miniscule diagnostic interaction effect. Finally, TRUM during a response-inhibition task showed an unanticipated pattern: in TD children, the greater TMS task modulation (TRUM) was associated with a smaller magnitude of ERD during finger-tapping. The ADHD group showed the opposite direction of association: Greater TRUM was associated with larger magnitude of ERD. Prior EEG results have demonstrated specific alterations of task-related modulation of cortical physiology, and the current results provide a fulcrum for multimodal study.
The Landscape of Candidemia During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic
Authors: Seagle Emma E , Jackson Brendan R , Lockhart Shawn R , Georgacopoulos Ourania , Nunnally Natalie S , Roland Jeremy , Barter Devra M , Johnston Helen L , Czaja Christopher A , Kayalioglu Hazal , Clogher Paula , Revis Andrew , Farley Monica M , Harrison Lee H , Davis Sarah Shrum , Phipps Erin C , Tesini Brenda L , Schaffner William , Markus Tiffanie M , Lyman Meghan M
Published: June 2021

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in unprecedented healthcare challenges, and COVID-19 has been linked to secondary infections. Candidemia, a fungal healthcare-associated infection, has been described in patients hospitalized with severe COVID-19. However, studies of candidemia and COVID-19 coinfection have been limited in sample size and geographic scope. We assessed differences in patients with candidemia with and without a COVID-19 diagnosis.

Methods

We conducted a case-level analysis using population-based candidemia surveillance data collected through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Emerging Infections Program during April–August 2020 to compare characteristics of candidemia patients with and without a positive test for COVID-19 in the 30 days before their Candida culture using chi-square or Fisher’s exact tests.

Results

Of the 251 candidemia patients included, 64 (25.5%) were positive for SARS-CoV-2. Liver disease, solid-organ malignancies, and prior surgeries were each >3 times more common in patients without COVID-19 coinfection, whereas intensive care unit–level care, mechanical ventilation, having a central venous catheter, and receipt of corticosteroids and immunosuppressants were each >1.3 times more common in patients with COVID-19. All-cause in-hospital fatality was 2 times higher among those with COVID-19 (62.5%) than without (32.1%).

Conclusions

One-quarter of candidemia patients had COVID-19. These patients were less likely to have certain underlying conditions and recent surgery commonly associated with candidemia and more likely to have acute risk factors linked to COVID-19 care, including immunosuppressive medications. Given the high mortality, it is important for clinicians to remain vigilant and take proactive measures to prevent candidemia in patients with COVID-19.
Socio-demographic disparities in amblyopia prevalence among 1.5 million adolescents
Authors: Nitzan Itay , Bez Maxim , Megreli Jacob , Bez Dana , Barak Adiel , Yahalom Claudia , Levine Hagai
Published: June 2021

Background

Amblyopia, when not diagnosed at appropriate age, leads to uncorrectable visual impairment with considerable social and financial implications. The aim of this study was to assess socio-demographic disparities in amblyopia prevalence among Israeli adolescents, in order to identify susceptible groups in the population.

Methods

A nationwide, population-based, cross-sectional study of Israeli adolescents examined between 1993 and 2017. All study participants underwent visual acuity examination with socio-demographic data and previous medical history documented. Associations were analyzed using univariable and multivariable logistic regression models.

Results

Among 1 334 650 Israeli-born candidates aged 17.15±0.26 years, amblyopia was diagnosed in 1.07%. The overall prevalence of amblyopia has declined from 1.59% in 1993 to 0.87% in 2017. Being in the lowest socioeconomic status and below average cognitive function scores increased the odds of amblyopia in both males [odds ratio (OR) 1.64, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.45–1.87; OR 1.27, 95% CI 1.19–1.35, respectively] and females (OR 1.61, 95% CI 1.30–1.98; OR 1.27, 95% CI 1.18–1.36, respectively). Among males, Orthodox and ultra-Orthodox educational systems were associated with increased odds of amblyopia (OR 1.16, 95% CI 1.09–1.25; OR 1.90, 95% CI 1.73–2.09). A significantly higher prevalence of amblyopia was recorded among 219 983 immigrants (1.51%, P<0.001).

Conclusions

Although the overall prevalence of amblyopia has decreased during the observed years, we found substantial evidence of socio-demographic disparities in amblyopia prevalence among adolescents, suggesting disparities in the prevention of the disease and its treatment. Demonstration of inequities at a national level could aid future guidance of health policy and augment current vision screening programs.
Validation of the French Women Abuse Screening Tool to routinely identify intimate partner violence
Authors: Guiguet-Auclair Candy , Boyer Baptiste , Djabour Keltoume , Ninert Mehdi , Verneret-Bord Estelle , Vendittelli Françoise , Debost-Legrand Anne
Published: June 2021

Background

Health care professionals strongly underestimate the prevalence of intimate partner violence (IPV), and a few of them think that they screen and refer victims appropriately for assistance. The aim of this study was to cross-culturally validate a French version of the Woman Abuse Screening Tool (WAST).

Methods

A multicenter case–control study was performed in the forensic medicine unit of the University Hospital and two offices of the women’s rights association in France. Abused and non-abused women self-completed the WAST and a questionnaire assessing their level of comfort in responding to the WAST during the study and during a hypothetical consultation with a physician in primary care. We analyzed the psychometric properties and screening performance of the WAST.

Results

Respondent acceptability was very good, with response rates exceeding 95%. The WAST had a good internal consistency (Cronbach α coefficient = 0.95). Its screening performance with a cut-off score of 5 was excellent: area under the ROC curve was 0.99, sensitivity 97.7%, specificity 97.1%, positive predictive value 97.2% and negative predictive value 97.7%. The levels of comfort were significantly lower among abused compared with non-abused women. Both groups of women were more comfortable answering the WAST during the study than in a hypothetical consultation.

Conclusion

The French version of the WAST was found to be a well-accepted and valid screening tool for routine use in IPV. It may help health care professionals to detect women experiencing abuse early and to refer them more quickly to specific assistance.
3-D Q-coda attenuation structure at Mt. Etna (Italy)
Authors: Giampiccolo E , Del Pezzo E , Tuvé T , Grazia G Di , Ibáñez J M
Published: June 2021

Three dimensional attenuation images of Mt. Etna volcano obtained by the analysis of Q-coda from local volcano-tectonic earthquakes are presented in this work. Seismic sources are confined inside the Etna structure with a maximum focal depth of 35 km below the sea level. The space distribution of the attenuation values was calculated by using 3-D weighting functions derived by the sensitivity kernels of Pacheco and Snieders (2006) and approximated by a polynomial interpolation, represented in the maps by using a back- projection method. Data were analyzed in four bands with central frequency placed at 1.5, 3, 6 and 12 Hz respectively. We observed a frequency dependence of Q-coda with values that range from 55 at 1.5 Hz to 218 at 12 Hz. Q-coda space distribution in the Etna area shows almost uniformity in the average attenuation in the first 35 km below the surface. The images were derived with a resolution of 5 km. We observe as one of our main conclusions that Q-coda attenuation space anomalies are correlated with the areas of highest structural heterogeneities and are distributed along the well-known tectonic structures which characterize the crust in Mt. Etna region. Previous and numerous velocity and attenuation images describing the structure of Mt. Etna support our main conclusion: high Q-coda volumes almost coincide with the zones marked by high velocity and relative low total attenuation for direct waves.
The Many Metamorphoses of Related Rights in EU Copyright Law: Unintended Consequences or Inevitable Developments?
Authors: Sganga Caterina
Published: June 2021

Neighboring rights have always been neglected by copyright scholars, despite a steady increase of their economic relevance and market role across the decades. The situation has changed in the past two decades when, in response to the epochal shifts to which such rights have been subject, commentators have transferred their focus to the legislative and judicial evolution of neighboring rights. These changes, in fact, have had a substantial impact on the texture of EU copyright law and of the common core of EU Member States’ laws, which may – or may not – represent the beginning of a new era for the relationship between copyright and related rights. To understand the drivers and purpose of the various legislative reforms and the CJEU’s responses in the field, and the challenges they have posed to the consistency and internal balance of the EU copyright system, it is essential to analyze their roots and key features. To this end, this article will offer a brief overview of the legislative path that led from the Rome Convention to the debate preceding the Directive on Copyright in the Digital Single Market (CDSMD), with a focus on the introduction of sui generis rights and ancillary copyright (Section II). It will then comment on the nature and features of the new press publishers’ right under Art. 15 CDSMD, focusing on its strengths and pitfalls (Section III). The statutory analysis will be coupled with a comment on the four ‘waves’ of the CJEU’s judicial practice (Section IV), leading to a brief assessment and conclusions on the way forward (Section V).
Novel frameshift mutation in STK33 is associated with asthenozoospermia and multiple morphological abnormalities of the flagella
Authors: Ma Hui , Zhang Beibei , Khan Asad , Zhao Daren , Ma Ao , Zhou Jianteng , Khan Ihsan , Khan Khalid , Zhang Huan , Zhang Yuanwei , Jiang Xiaohua , Dil Sobia , Zeb Aurang , Rahim Fazal , Shi Qinghua
Published: June 2021

Serine/threonine kinases domain-containing proteins are known to play important functions in sperm flagella and male fertility. However, the roles of these proteins in human reproduction remain poorly understood and whether their variants are associated with human asthenozoospermia have not been reported. Here, we recruited a Pakistani family having four infertile patients diagnosed with idiopathic asthenozoospermia without any ciliary-related symptoms. Whole-exome sequencing identified a novel homozygous frameshift mutation (c.1235del, p.T412Kfs*14) in serine/threonine kinase 33 (STK33), which displays a highly conserved and predominant expression in testis in humans. This variant led to a dramatic reduction of STK33 messenger RNA (mRNA) in the patients. Patients homozygous for the STK33 variant presented reduced sperm motility, frequent morphological abnormalities of sperm flagella and completely disorganized flagellar ultrastructures, which are typical for multiple morphological abnormalities of the flagella (MMAF) phenotypes. Overall, these findings present evidence establishing that STK33 is an MMAF-related gene and provide new insights for understanding the role of serine/threonine kinases domain-containing proteins in human male reproduction.
Cost-benefit analysis in rights adjudication—An assessment in light of the proportionality debate: A reply to Yun-chien Chang and Xin Dai
Authors: Caviedes Cristóbal , Urbina Francisco J
Published: June 2021

In this article, we analyze Yun-chien Chang and Xin Dai’s proposal for replacing the proportionality test with cost-benefit analysis in their article “The Limited Usefulness of the Proportionality Principle.” We assess this proposal by considering the objections generally raised against the proportionality test. We claim that such objections also apply to cost-benefit analysis, thus raising concerns about its adequacy for rights adjudication.
Gestational age at term delivery and children’s neurocognitive development
Authors: Gleason Jessica L , Gilman Stephen E , Sundaram Rajeshwari , Yeung Edwina , Putnick Diane L , Vafai Yassaman , Saha Abhisek , Grantz Katherine L
Published: June 2021

Background

Preterm birth is associated with lower neurocognitive performance. However, whether children’s neurodevelopment improves with longer gestations within the full-term range (37–41 weeks) is unclear. Given the high rate of obstetric intervention in the USA, it is critical to determine whether long-term outcomes differ for children delivered at each week of term.

Methods

This secondary analysis included 39 199 live-born singleton children of women who were admitted to the hospital in spontaneous labour from the US Collaborative Perinatal Project (1959–76). At each week of term gestation, we evaluated development at 8 months using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development, 4 years using the Stanford–Binet IQ (SBIQ) domains and 7 years using the Wechsler Intelligence Scales for Children (WISC) and Wide-Range Achievement Tests (WRAT).

Results

Children’s neurocognitive performance improved with each week of gestation from 37 weeks, peaking at 40 or 41 weeks. Relative to those delivered at 40 weeks, children had lower neurocognitive scores at 37 and 38 weeks for all assessments except SBIQ and WISC Performance IQ. Children delivered at 39 weeks had lower Bayley Mental (β = −1.18; confidence interval −1.77, −0.58) and Psychomotor (β = −1.18; confidence interval −1.90, −0.46) scores. Results were similar for within-family analyses comparing siblings, with the addition of lower WRAT scores at 39 weeks.

Conclusions

The improvement in development scores across assessment periods indicates that each week up to 40 or 41 weeks of gestation is important for short- and long-term cognitive development, suggesting 40–41 weeks may be the ideal delivery window for optimal neurodevelopmental outcomes.
Estimates on the generalization error of physics-informed neural networks for approximating a class of inverse problems for PDEs
Authors: Mishra Siddhartha , Molinaro Roberto
Published: June 2021

Physics-informed neural networks (PINNs) have recently been very successfully applied for efficiently approximating inverse problems for partial differential equations (PDEs). We focus on a particular class of inverse problems, the so-called data assimilation or unique continuation problems, and prove rigorous estimates on the generalization error of PINNs approximating them. An abstract framework is presented and conditional stability estimates for the underlying inverse problem are employed to derive the estimate on the PINN generalization error, providing rigorous justification for the use of PINNs in this context. The abstract framework is illustrated with examples of four prototypical linear PDEs. Numerical experiments, validating the proposed theory, are also presented.