bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the impact of the Patient Preference Assessment Tool on clinicians' recommendations for phase I oncology clinical trials
Authors: Hianik Rachel S. , Owonikoko Taofeek , Switchenko Jeffrey , Dixon Margie D. , Shaib Walid L. , Pentz Rebecca D.
Published: May 2021

Objective

Many groups recommend assessment of patient preferences particularly for patients with advanced, incurable cancer. We, therefore, developed the Patient Preference Assessment Tool (PPAT) to ascertain patient preferences in order to inform clinician recommendations and improve shared decision‐making. The aim of this study is to assess the PPAT's impact on clinicians' strength of recommendations for phase I oncology clinical trials.

Methods

Clinicians recorded the strength of their recommendation on a Likert scale before viewing the patient's PPAT. After viewing the PPAT, the clinician discussed the clinical trial with the patient and then recorded the strength of recommendation again. If there was a change, the clinician noted the reason for the change: clinical findings or patient preference. Clinicians were interviewed about the acceptability of the tool. Our threshold for determining if a change in recommendation due to the PPAT was significant was 20%, given the multiple factors influencing a clinician's recommendation. We also noted the type of phase I conversation observed based on classifications defined in prior work—priming, treatment‐options, trial logistics, consent.

Results

N = 29. The strength of the clinicians' recommendations changed due to patient preferences in 7 of 29 (24%) of the conversations. The seven changes due to preferences were all in the 23 treatment‐options conversations, for an impact rate of 30% in this type of conversation. 82% of clinicians found the PPAT useful.

Conclusion

The PPAT was impactful in an academic setting, exceeding our 20% impact threshold. This tool helps achieve the important goal of incorporating patient preferences into shared decision‐making about clinical trials.
Moving pictures: Reassessing docking experiments with a dynamic view of protein interfaces
Authors: Prévost Chantal , Sacquin‐Mora Sophie
Published: May 2021

The modeling of protein assemblies at the atomic level remains a central issue in structural biology, as protein interactions play a key role in numerous cellular processes. This problem is traditionally addressed using docking tools, where the quality of the models is based on their similarity to a single reference experimental structure. However, using a static reference does not take into account the dynamic quality of the protein interface. Here, we used all‐atom classical Molecular Dynamics simulations to investigate the stability of the reference interface for three complexes that previously served as targets in the CAPRI competition. For each one of these targets, we also ran MD simulations for ten models that are distributed over the High, Medium and Acceptable accuracy categories. To assess the quality of these models from a dynamic perspective, we set up new criteria which take into account the stability of the reference experimental protein interface. We show that, when the protein interfaces are allowed to evolve along time, the original ranking based on the static CAPRI criteria no longer holds as over 50% of the docking models undergo a category change (which can be either toward a better or a lower accuracy group) when reassessing their quality using dynamic information.
Size‐Dependent Insulator‐to‐Metal and Metal‐to‐Insulator Phase Transitions in VO2 Microrods Grown on a Silicon Substrate
Authors: Koughia Cyril , Gunes Ozan , Zhang Chunzi , Wen Shi-Jie , Yang Qiaoqin , Kasap Safa O.
Published: May 2021

Light scattering from VO2 microrods (MRs) synthesized on a silicon substrate is studied as a function of temperature and wavelength through the insulator‐to‐metal (IMT) and the metal‐to‐insulator (MIT) transitions. Light scattering exhibits substantial and reproducible changes. By focusing the light on individual MRs, it is shown that for small‐sized MRs (<1 × 10 μm), the IMT and MIT are very sharp with transition temperatures varying within 31–64 °C (IMT) and within 58–76 °C (MIT). In contrast, for large‐sized MRs (≈4 × 40 μm), only the IMT at 68 °C is sharp, whereas MIT is stretched with a prominent low‐temperature shoulder at 35–50 °C. The observed phenomena are assumed to be connected with the external substrate‐induced mechanical stress emerging during the phase transition. A simple model is developed to explain both the temperature‐stretched MIT and the low‐temperature shoulder.
Double‐valence photoionization of SUVA134a molecule (CFH2CF3)
Authors: Morcelle Viviane , Medina Aline , Ribeiro Leonardo C. , Prazeres Italo , Marinho Ricardo R. T. , Arruda Manuela S. , Mendes Luis A. V. , Santos Mabele de Jesus , Santos Antonio Carlos Fontes dos
Published: May 2021

Rationale

In this work we investigate the single‐photon double ionization of the SUVA 134a (1,1,1,2‐tetrafluoroethane) molecule in the energy range from 21.21 to 320 eV. Our experimental data are supported by Thomas’ and Samson's models. It is shown that the double photoionization of the SUVA 134a can be expressed as a sum of the so‐called shake‐off (SO) and the knockout (KO) processes.

Methods

The experiments were executed at the TGM beamline at Laboratório Nacional de Luz Síncrotron in Campinas, Brazil. The source of EUV and X‐ray radiation was a bending magnet that enabled us to work in the photon energy range of 21.21 to 320 eV. The spectrometer was devised to collect 100% of the ions with kinetic energies up to 30 eV. The photoelectron‐photoion (PEPICO) and photoelectron‐photoion‐photoion (PE2PICO) coincidence techniques were used in the present work.

Results

The ratio of double‐to‐total photoionization as a function of the photon energy for the SUVA molecule exhibits remarkably similar behavior with other atomic and molecular systems. SO depends on large excess energy above the ionization threshold, enabling the photoelectron to leave the interaction region rather speedily to yield a sudden change in the Coulomb field that the shaken electron feels. The measured asymptotic SO probability is PSO (∞) = 0.09.

Conclusions

The present analysis shows that the separation of SO and KO processes relies on the experimental evidence that there is no significant interference between SO and KO. The analysis also shows that the separate formulation of KO and SO presents a factual portrayal of double photoionization. Despite having 50 electrons, SUVA has lower double‐to‐total photoionization fraction (9%) in comparison, for instance, to argon atoms (~20%), which has 18 electrons. This lower e‐e correlation could be attributed to its larger volume, that is, lower electron density.
Pulmonary lymphomatoid granulomatosis: An uncommon disease but not to be forgotten—a single centre experience
Authors: Balakrishnan Pradeep , Ing Matthew , Househ Zaid , Raguparan Ajantha
Published: May 2021

Pulmonary lymphomatoid granulomatosis (PLG) is a rare multisystem Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)‐associated lymphoproliferative disorder. Exact incidence is unknown and, with its variable clinical presentation, making an accurate diagnosis of PLG can be difficult. We present two distinct cases at our tertiary centre that underline PLG's non‐specific clinical presentations. This resulted in the failure of recognizing PLG early with consequently progressive fatal outcomes. The rationale is to enlighten us concisely the knowledge surrounding PLG and consider it as a potential differential diagnosis, particularly in those immunosuppressed patients with radiological evidence of worsening pulmonary infiltrates not responding to customary treatment for common diagnoses. Having a high degree of suspicion for PLG in the right setting and pursuing lung biopsy early if appropriate for histopathology examination would be justified. This is essential to correctly diagnose PLG up‐front and subsequently utilize best management approach for a better survival and mortality risk outlook.
Fully distributed observer‐based protocols for bipartite consensus of directed nonlinear multi‐agent systems: A proportional‐integral‐gain perspective
Authors: Nan Xiaoya , Lv Yuezu , Duan Zhisheng
Published: May 2021

This paper presents a novel perspective on fully distributed adaptive protocol design for bipartite consensus under directed communication graphs. It is revealed that the fully distributed protocol is indeed a PI‐gain design approach. Based on such PI‐gain method, fully distributed observer‐based protocols are proposed to solve the consensus problem of nonlinear multi‐agent systems over directed cooperative‐antagonistic networks, where the neural network approximation is introduced to tackle the unknown nonlinearity. Fully distributed continuous protocols are further presented by modifying the sign function with a decaying variable, which takes the advantage of avoiding chattering problem. Theoretical analysis and numerical simulations are given to support our main results.
Hetero Metal‐Organic Hybrids as Highly Active Peroxidase Mimics for Biosensing Application
Authors: Alam Naveed , Sreeramareddygari Muralikrishna , Somasundrum Mithran , Jayaramulu Kolleboyina , Surareungchai Werasak
Published: May 2021

We have described a facile methodology for producing a series of novel homo and hetero metal organic hybrids (OGH) using Fe, Cu and trithiocyanuric acid (TTCA), and have demonstrated that the presence of both metals together considerably enhances the peroxidase activity of the hybrids, relative to either metal on its own. Characterization by XRD, FTIR, Raman spectroscopy and XPS indicated that the hetero materials consisted of predominantly Fe2+ and Cu+ and that bonding to Cu was largely through the N and S of the TTCA, while bonding to Fe was largely through Fe−S bonds. The Fe : Cu content of the hetero materials was varied systematically in the approximate ratios 1 : 1, 1 : 2 and 2 : 1, as confirmed by elemental analysis. Peroxidase activity was examined using 3,3′,5,5′‐tetramethylbenzidine (TMB), dopamine (DA) and luminol as co‐substrates. The 1 : 1 Fe : Cu catalyst was found to have the highest activity. Kinetic analysis indicated that TMB and dopamine oxidation proceeded by a sequential Bi−Bi mechanism. This mechanism utilized dissolved O2 and generated .OH radicals, as indicated by experiments with N2 purging and a hydroxyl trapping reagent. Based on KM values, substrate affinities were in the order TMB>H2O2>dopamine. Chemiluminescence in the presence of luminol and glucose oxidase‐generated H2O2 was used to calibrate glucose in the range 2–10 mM. The hetero metal hybrid catalyst was stable for two months when stored at room temperature.
Reactive Extrusion‐Processed Shape‐Memory Food Packaging Films Made from Native and Carboxymethylated Plantain Flour/Polystyrene Blends
Authors: Herniou‐‐Julien Clémence , Gutiérrez Tomy J.
Published: May 2021

Several alternatives have been proposed to improve the properties of starch‐based films. However, single step processing and modification procedures such as reactive extrusion (REx) have been little studied in conjunction with carbohydrate polymers. Films were prepared from native and carboxymethylated plantain (Musa ssp., group AAB, sub‐group clone Harton) flour/polystyrene (PS) blends, with glycerol as a plasticizer, by REx using a twin‐screw extruder with chromium octanoate (Cr(Oct)3) as a catalyst (Cat), followed by thermo‐molding. The structural, physicochemical, thermal, surface, mechanical (shape memory) and antimicrobial properties relevant to the potential use of the films in food packaging applications, were then exhaustively characterized. The developed films could be used as shape materials due to their mechanical properties, which featured elastic, creep, and plastic zones, as long as the following mechanical thresholds are not reached: 1.00% strain and 1.14 MPa stress (for the film with the best characteristics). The results of the TGA, mechanical properties tests and antimicrobial activity assay suggest that Maillard reactions can occur simultaneously with the cross‐linking reactions generated by the Cat between the natural and synthetic polymers. The films made with the carboxymethylated flour were less hydrophilic than those prepared using the native flour due to the establishment of a higher dipole moment.
Redox of Viologen for Powering and Coloring
Authors: Sagara Takamasa , Tahara Hironobu
Published: May 2021

Viologen is among the most attractive and easiest‐to‐use organic redox active group in many functional molecular assemblies. It plays crucial roles as an electron transfer mediator in the artificial photo‐energy conversion systems and electron‐transfer protein assemblies and as a building block of supramolecules. Its features include electrochemically reversible redox activity and stability. Strong blue color and tendency to dimerization of the one‐electron reduced form, viologen mono‐radical mono‐cation, are remarkable. In this Account, we describe the use of viologen to give a powered movement of small molecules and motion of millimetre‐sized macroscopic soft‐matters and the use of viologen ionic liquid as electrochromic materials. Attractivities of the use of viologen units for powering and coloring are demonstrated and discussed. In particular, we highlight driving of mechanical movements by π–π stacking dimerization, incorporation in a hydrogel to attain highly deformable material, induction of 2D phase transformation, and sharp color change of very thin ionic liquid layer in a compartment‐less electrochromic display.
Managingmarketing–sales–servicerelationship conflict in aB2Bmultinational firm
Authors: Enyinda Chris I. , Enyinda Ifeoma E. , Mbah Chris H. , Ogbuehi Alphonso O.
Published: May 2021

Managing conflict in marketing–sales–customer service relationship is pivotal for seamless, end‐to‐end customer experience, satisfaction of customer changing needs, and business performance. Research examining conflict management in marketing–sales–service cross‐functional relationships is lacking in B2B multinational firms, and particularly in the electronics industry. This article draws on social exchange theory (SET) to posit that conflict management in a B2B electronics firm marketing–sales–service relationship can be successful if trust, commitment, and reciprocity exist. This article examines factors influencing conflict in the team relationship in the focal firm and how to manage them. Data were collected from the departmental managers and were then analyzed with the analytic hierarchy process (AHP)‐based multicriteria decision making (MCDM) framework. The findings reveal that the most important factor influencing conflict is task, followed by communication, inter alia. The overall best strategy in managing conflict is collaboration/integration, followed by confrontation. Our research enhances the understanding of conflict factors influencing the focal B2B interdepartmental relationships and the appropriate management strategies. Effectively managing the interdepartmental conflicts can lead to customer satisfaction and improved business performance.
Compound essential oils relieve oxidative stress caused by PM2.5 exposure by inhibiting autophagy through the AMPK/mTOR pathway
Authors: Ren Fei , Xu Xin , Xu Jingbin , Mei Yuhui , Zhang Jiahua , Wang Xuguang , Li Fasheng
Published: May 2021

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) potentially damages the respiratory system and causes respiratory diseases. Compound essential oils (CEOs) have been shown to alleviate the damage to the lung and macrophages caused by PM2.5. However, the effect of PM2.5 exposure on the brain has rarely been investigated. When oxidative stress occurs in the brain, it readily causes neurological diseases. Autophagy is intimately involved in many physiological processes, especially processes important for the brain. Blocked or excessive autophagy causes a series of brain diseases, such as cerebral ischemia and stroke. This study investigated whether CEOs regulate excessive autophagy and reduce the oxidative stress caused by PM2.5 in the brain and BV2 microglial cells. PM2.5 increased the levels of ROS, Nox2, NF‐κB and MDA while decreasing superoxide dismutase and HO‐1 levels, which led to oxidative stress in the brain. The increased LC3 level and decreased P62 level suggested that PM2.5 exposure increased the level of autophagy. After exposure to PM2.5, the levels of 5′‐adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) increased, while the levels of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) decreased, suggesting that PM2.5 might induce autophagy by activating the AMPK/mTOR pathway. In addition, CEOs alleviated oxidative stress and autophagy induced by PM2.5. Therefore, we concluded that CEOs reduce oxidative stress induced by PM2.5 exposure by inhibiting autophagy via the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway, and these findings provide new opportunities for the prevention of PM2.5‐induced brain diseases.
Bovine semen sexing: Sperm membrane proteomics as candidates for immunological selection of X‐ and Y‐chromosome‐bearing sperm
Authors: Quelhas Joana , Santiago Joana , Matos Bárbara , Rocha António , Lopes Graça , Fardilha Margarida
Published: May 2021

The use of sexed semen in dairy and beef farms ensures the production of animals of the desired sex, resulting in a reduction of costs and an improvement of environmental sustainability. Several methods have been developed over the years, but most of them were abandoned due to their limited efficacy. Currently, the only commercially available method for the separation of X‐ and Y‐chromosome‐bearing sperm is fluorescence‐activated cell sorting. However, this technique is expensive and has limited usefulness for the industry, considering that it cannot produce doses of sexed semen with the desired number of sperm for artificial insemination. Immunological methods have emerged as an attractive alternative to flow cytometry and proteomic knowledge of X‐ and Y‐sperm could be useful to the development of a new method. In this review, we identify the main applications of sexed semen, describe the existing methods and highlight future research opportunities in the field. We consider that immunological methods, based on sperm cell's surface proteins differentially expressed between X‐ and Y‐sperm, could be an interesting and promising approach to semen sexing.
A suspected non‐allergic anaphylactic reaction to intravenous administration of atracurium in a dog
Authors: Testa Barbara , Pawson Pat , Bell Andrew
Published: May 2021

Hypersensitivity reactions are rare events but have the potential to be life‐threatening. They are relatively more common during general anaesthesia. This is potentially due to multiple drugs being administered concurrently. An 8‐year‐old, female neutered Labrador Retriever with bilateral cataracts was anaesthetised for right phacoemulsification. Soon after atracurium administration, the patient's heart rate (HR) increased, alongside decreases in arterial blood pressure and end tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2). The dog was treated with clorphenamine and ephedrine intravenously (IV), while receiving a crystalloid fluids bolus. After 20 minutes both HR and blood pressure normalised, and the remainder of anaesthesia and recovery were uneventful. We suspected a non‐allergic anaphylactic reaction to atracurium.
Geophysics conquering new territories: The rise of “agrogeophysics”
Authors: Garré Sarah , Hyndman David , Mary Benjamin , Werban Ulrike
Published: May 2021

Agriculture is facing immense challenges. We have to produce enough food while safe‐guarding the environment for future generations. This results in the need to use less water and fertilizer, and to harness soil quality. Key to achieving this goal is improving the understanding of processes and interactions governing the soil–plant–atmosphere continuum of agricultural ecosystems. Geophysical tools have great potential to better characterize and quantify these processes noninvasively from the plot to landscape scale. Nevertheless, a number of challenges remain for geophysical results to be better exploited by different scientific communities and by decision‐makers. In this special section, we explore ongoing research in the relatively new field of agrogeophysics, and we provide an overview of potential applications and highlight future research needs.
Role of air scouring in anaerobic/anoxic tanks providing nitrogen removal by mainstream anammox conversion in a hybrid biofilm/suspended growth full‐scale WWTP in China
Authors: Yuan Quan , He Beiping , Qian Liang , Littleton Helen , Daigger Glen T. , van Loosdrecht Mark , Wells George F. , Wang Kaijun , Cai Hulin
Published: May 2021

A full‐scale wastewater treatment plant in China experienced unintentional anammox bacterial enrichment on biofilm carriers placed in the anaerobic and anoxic zones of an anaerobic/anoxic/oxic process under ambient temperatures and without bioaugmentation. Here, we show that microaerophilic conditions resulting from air scouring needed for biofilm carrier suspension in the anaerobic/anoxic zones can support a robust nitritation/anammox process. Results from an in situ on/off air scouring test showed that air scouring strongly induced both ammonia and total inorganic nitrogen removal in the anaerobic/anoxic zones. Ammonium concentration in the anaerobic and anoxic tanks remained constant or even slightly increased when air scouring was off, indicating that air scouring made a noticeable difference in nitrogen profiles in the anaerobic/anoxic zones. Various batch tests further indicated that partial denitrification is not likely to generate nitrite for anammox bacteria. Robust nitritation, and anammox on the carriers, can occur at low dissolved oxygen conditions, as measured in the full‐scale facility. The observations show that mainstream deammonification without sidestream bioaugmentation at moderate temperature is feasible and further optimization by a more dedicated design can result in improved nitrogen removal in cases when chemical oxygen demand is limited in mainstream wastewater treatment.

Practitioner points

Microaerophilic conditions in a full‐scale IFAS reactor caused mainstream anammox in moderate temperate area.

Robust nitritation, and anammox on the carriers, can occur at low dissolved oxygen conditions in anaerobic/anoxic tanks with air scouring.

Anammox can function well with conventional nitrification and denitrification process at mainstream conditions for stable nitrogen removal.
Investigation on Tool Deflection During Tapping
Authors: Geßner Felix , Weigold Matthias , Abele Eberhard
Published: May 2021

Tapping is a challenging process at the end of the value chain. Hence, tool failure is associated with rejected components or expensive rework. For modelling the tapping process we choose a mechanistic approach. In the present work, we focus on the tool model, which describes the deflection and inclination of the tool as a result of the radial forces during tapping. Since radial forces always occur during tapping due to the uneven load distribution on the individual teeth, the tool model represents an essential part of the entire closed-loop model. Especially in the entry phase of the tap, when the guidance within the already cut thread is not yet given, radial forces can lead to deflection of the tool. Therefore, the effects of geometric uncertainty in the thread geometry are experimentally investigated, using optical surface measurement to evaluate the position of the thread relative to the pre-drilled bore. Based on the findings, the tool deflection during tapping is mapped using a cylindrical cantilever beam model, which is calibrated using experimental data. The model is then validated and the implementation within an existing model framework is described.
How to Predict the Product Reliability Confidently and Fast with a Minimum Number of Samples in the Wöhler Test
Authors: Mischko Jens , Einbock Stefan , Wagener Rainer
Published: May 2021

To accurately estimate and predict the (product) lifetime, a large sample size is mandatory, especially for new and unknown materials. The realization of such a sample size is rarely feasible for reasons of cost and capacity. The prior knowledge must be systematically and consistently used to be able to predict the lifetime accurately. By using the example of Wöhler test, it will be shown that the lifetime prediction with a minimum number of specimen and test time can be successful, when taking the prior knowledge into account.
Forward vs. Bayesian Inference Parameter Calibration: Two Approaches for Non-deterministic Parameter Calibration of a Beam-Column Model
Authors: Schaeffner Maximilian , Gehb Christopher M. , Feldmann Robert , Melz Tobias
Published: May 2021

Mathematical models are commonly used to predict the dynamic behavior of mechanical structures or to synthesize controllers for active systems. Calibrating the model parameters to experimental data is crucial to achieve reliable and adequate model predictions. However, the experimental dynamic behavior is uncertain due to variations in component properties, assembly and mounting. Therefore, uncertainty in the model parameters can be considered in a non-deterministic calibration. In this paper, we compare two approaches for a non-deterministic parameter calibration, which both consider uncertainty in the parameters of a beam-column model. The goal is to improve the model prediction of the axial load-dependent lateral dynamic behavior. The investigation is based on a beam-column system subjected to compressive axial loads used for active buckling control. A representative sample of 30 nominally identical beam-column systems characterizes the variations in the experimental lateral axial load-dependent dynamic behavior. First, in a forward parameter calibration approach, the parameters of the beam-column model are calibrated separately for all 30 investigated beam-column systems using a least squares optimization. The uncertainty in the parameters is obtained by assuming normal distributions of the separately calibrated parameters. Second, in a Bayesian inference parameter calibration approach, the parameters are calibrated using the complete sample of experimental data. Posterior distributions of the parameters characterize the uncertain dynamic behavior of the beam-column model. For both non-deterministic parameter calibration approaches, the predicted uncertainty ranges of the axial load-dependent lateral dynamic behavior are compared to the uncertain experimental behavior and the most accurate results are identified.
On Uncertainty, Decision Values and Innovation
Authors: Thöns Sebastian , Irman Arifian Agusta , Limongelli Maria Pina
Published: May 2021

This paper contains a description, an alignment and a joint approach for technology readiness development with a three phases support of decision value analyses. The three phases are separated into the decision value forecasting, decision value analysis and the technology value quantification supporting the technological concept formulation and experimental testing, the prototype development and the technology qualification and operation. Decision value forecasting allows technology development guidance by technology performance requirements and the value creation even before the technology development is started. This approach is exemplified with load, damage and resistance information based integrity management of a structure and the ranking of the different strategies. The results can be used to guide a technology screening for matching with performance characteristics in terms of precision, cost and employability. Moreover, the first estimate of value creation of the technology for stakeholders, business models and market evaluation is provided.
Potentials and Challenges of Resilience as a Paradigm for Designing Technical Systems
Authors: Leise Philipp , Niessen Pia , Schulte Fiona , Dietrich Ingo , Kirchner Eckhard , Pelz Peter F.
Published: May 2021

The resilience paradigm constitutes that systems can overcome arbitrary system failures and recover quickly. This paradigm has already been applied successfully in multiple disciplines outside the engineering domain. For the development and design of engineering systems the realization of this resilience concept is more challenging and often leads to confusion, because technical systems are characterized by a lower intrinsic complexity compared to, e.g., socio-technical systems. The transfer of the resilience paradigm to technical systems though also offers high potential for the engineering domain. We present results from four-year research on transferring the resilience paradigm to the engineering domain based on mechanical engineering systems and summarize relevant design approaches to quantify the potentials of this paradigm. Furthermore, we present important challenges we faced while transferring this paradigm and present the lessons learned from this interdisciplinary research.
Validation of an Optimized Resilient Water Supply System
Authors: Müller Tim M. , Schmitt Andreas , Leise Philipp , Meck Tobias , Altherr Lena C. , Pelz Peter F. , Pfetsch Marc E.
Published: May 2021

Component failures within water supply systems can lead to significant performance losses. One way to address these losses is the explicit anticipation of failures within the design process. We consider a water supply system for high-rise buildings, where pump failures are the most likely failure scenarios. We explicitly consider these failures within an early design stage which leads to a more resilient system, i.e., a system which is able to operate under a predefined number of arbitrary pump failures. We use a mathematical optimization approach to compute such a resilient design. This is based on a multi-stage model for topology optimization, which can be described by a system of nonlinear inequalities and integrality constraints. Such a model has to be both computationally tractable and to represent the real-world system accurately. We therefore validate the algorithmic solutions using experiments on a scaled test rig for high-rise buildings. The test rig allows for an arbitrary connection of pumps to reproduce scaled versions of booster station designs for high-rise buildings. We experimentally verify the applicability of the presented optimization model and that the proposed resilience properties are also fulfilled in real systems.
Lowering the scale of Pati-Salam breaking through seesaw mixing
Authors: Dolan Matthew J. , Dutka Tomasz P. , Volkas Raymond R.
Published: May 2021

Abstract

We analyse the experimental limits on the breaking scale of Pati-Salam extensions of the Standard Model. These arise from the experimental limits on rare-meson decay processes mediated at tree-level by the vector leptoquark in the model. This leptoquark ordinarily couples to both left- and right-handed SM fermions and therefore the meson decays do not experience a helicity suppression. We find that the current limits vary from $$ \mathcal{O} $$
O
(80–2500) TeV depending on the choice of matrix structure appearing in the relevant three-generational charged-current interactions. We extensively analyse scenarios where additional fermionic degrees of freedom are introduced, transforming as complete Pati-Salam multiplets. These can lower the scales of Pati-Salam breaking through mass-mixing within the charged-lepton and down-quark sectors, leading to a helicity suppression of the meson decay widths which constrain Pati-Salam breaking. We find four multiplets with varying degrees of viability for this purpose: an SU(2)L/R bidoublet, a pair of SU(4) decuplets and either an SU(2)L or SU(2)R triplet all of which contain heavy exotic versions of the SM charged leptons. We find that the Pati-Salam limits can be as low as $$ \mathcal{O} $$
O
(5–150) TeV with the addition of these four multiplets. We also identify an interesting possible connection between the smallness of the neutrino masses and a helicity suppression of the Pati-Salam limits for three of the four multiplets.
A note on discrete dynamical systems in theories of class S
Authors: Cirafici Michele
Published: May 2021

Abstract

In this note we consider the set of line operators in theories of class S. We show that this set carries the action of a natural discrete dynamical system associated with the BPS spectrum. We discuss several applications of this perspective; the relation with global properties of the theory; the set of constraints imposed on the spectrum generator, in particular for the case of SU(2) $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2*; and the relation between line defects and certain spherical Double Affine Hecke Algebras.
Jet wake from linearized hydrodynamics
Authors: Casalderrey-Solana Jorge , Milhano José Guilherme , Pablos Daniel , Rajagopal Krishna , Yao Xiaojun
Published: May 2021

Abstract

We explore how to improve the hybrid model description of the particles originating from the wake that a jet produced in a heavy ion collision leaves in the droplet of quark-gluon plasma (QGP) through which it propagates, using linearized hydrodynamics on a background Bjorken flow. Jet energy and momentum loss described by the hybrid model become currents sourcing linearized hydrodynamics. By solving the linearized hydrodynamic equations numerically, we investigate the development of the wake in the dynamically evolving droplet of QGP, study the effect of viscosity, scrutinize energy-momentum conservation, and check the validity of the linear approximation. We find that linearized hydrodynamics works better in the viscous case because diffusive modes damp the energy-momentum perturbation produced by the jet. We calculate the distribution of particles produced from the jet wake by using the Cooper-Frye prescription and find that both the transverse momentum spectrum and the distribution of particles in azimuthal angle are similar in shape in linearized hydrodynamics and in the hybrid model. Their normalizations are different because the momentum-rapidity distribution in the linearized hydrodynamics analysis is more spread out, due to sound modes. Since the Bjorken flow has no transverse expansion, we explore the effect of transverse flow by using local boosts to add it into the Cooper-Frye formula. After including the effects of transverse flow in this way, the transverse momentum spectrum becomes harder: more particles with transverse momenta bigger than 2 GeV are produced than in the hybrid model. Although we defer implementing this analysis in a jet Monte Carlo, as would be needed to make quantitative comparisons to data, we gain a qualitative sense of how the jet wake may modify jet observables by computing proxies for two example observables: the lost energy recovered in a cone of varying open angle, and the fragmentation function. We find that linearized hydrodynamics with transverse flow effects added improves the description of the jet wake in the hybrid model in just the way that comparison to data indicates is needed. Our study illuminates a path to improving the description of the wake in the hybrid model, highlighting the need to take into account the effects of both transverse flow and the broadening of the energy-momentum perturbation in spacetime rapidity on particle production.
A calculation of the Weyl anomaly for 6D conformal higher spins
Authors: Aros R. , Bugini F. , Diaz D. E.
Published: May 2021

Abstract

In this work we continue the study of the one-loop partition function for higher derivative conformal higher spin (CHS) fields in six dimensions and its holographic counterpart given by massless higher spin Fronsdal fields in seven dimensions.

In going beyond the conformal class of the boundary round 6-sphere, we start by considering a Ricci-flat, but not conformally flat, boundary and the corresponding Poincaré-Einstein space-filling metric. Here we are able to match the UV logarithmic divergence of the boundary with the IR logarithmic divergence of the bulk, very much like in the known 4D/5D setting, under the assumptions of factorization of the higher derivative CHS kinetic operator and WKB-exactness of the heat kernel of the dual bulk field. A key technical ingredient in this construction is the determination of the fourth heat kernel coefficient b6 for Lichnerowicz Laplacians on both 6D and 7D Einstein manifolds. These results allow to obtain, in addition to the already known type-A Weyl anomaly, two of the three independent type-B anomaly coefficients in terms of the third, say c3 for instance.

In order to gain access to c3, and thus determine the four central charges independently, we further consider a generic non Ricci-flat Einstein boundary. However, in this case we find a mismatch between boundary and bulk computations for spins higher than two. We close by discussing the nature of this discrepancy and perspectives for a possible amendment.
Machine learning steered symbolic execution framework for complex software code
Authors: Bu Lei , Liang Yongjuan , Xie Zhunyi , Qian Hong , Hu Yi-Qi , Yu Yang , Chen Xin , Li Xuandong
Published: May 2021

During program traversing, symbolic execution collects path conditions and feeds them to a constraint solver to obtain feasible solutions. However, complex path conditions, like nonlinear constraints, which widely appear in programs, are hard to be handled efficiently by the existing solvers. In this paper, we adapt the classical symbolic execution framework with a machine learning approach for constraint satisfaction. The approach samples and learns from different solutions to identify potentially feasible area. This sampling-learning style solving can be applied in different class of complex problems easily. Therefore, incorporating this approach, our framework, MLBSE, supports the symbolic execution of not only simple linear path conditions, but also nonlinear arithmetic operations, and even black-box function calls of library methods. Meanwhile, thanks to the theoretical foundation of the machine learning based approach, when the solver fails to solve a path condition, we can have an estimation of the confidence in the satisfiability (ECS) of the problem to give users insights about how the problem is analyzed and whether they could ultimately find a solution. We implement MLBSE on the basis of Symbolic Path Finder (SPF) into a fully automatic Java symbolic execution engine. Users can feed their code to MLBSE directly, which is very convenient to use. To evaluate its performance, 22 real case programs are used as the benchmarks for MLBSE to generate test cases, which involve a total number of 1042 methods that are full of nonlinear operations, floating-point arithmetic as well as native method calls. Experiment results show that the coverage achieved by MLBSE is much higher than the state-of-the-art tools.
Local Well-Posedness of Strong Solutions to the Three-Dimensional Compressible Primitive Equations
Authors: Liu Xin , Titi Edriss S.
Published: May 2021

This work is devoted to establishing the local-in-time well-posedness of strong solutions to the three-dimensional compressible primitive equations of atmospheric dynamics. It is shown that strong solutions exist, are unique, and depend continuously on the initial data, for a short time in two cases: with gravity but without vacuum, and with vacuum but without gravity.
Engineering of the unfolded protein response pathway in Pichia pastoris: enhancing production of secreted recombinant proteins
Authors: Raschmanová Hana , Weninger Astrid , Knejzlík Zdeněk , Melzoch Karel , Kovar Karin
Published: May 2021

Folding and processing of proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) are major impediments in the production and secretion of proteins from Pichia pastoris (Komagataella sp.). Overexpression of recombinant genes can overwhelm the innate secretory machinery of the P. pastoris cell, and incorrectly folded proteins may accumulate inside the ER. To restore proper protein folding, the cell naturally triggers an unfolded protein response (UPR) pathway, which upregulates the expression of genes coding for chaperones and other folding-assisting proteins (e.g., Kar2p, Pdi1, Ero1p) via the transcription activator Hac1p. Unfolded/misfolded proteins that cannot be repaired are degraded via the ER-associated degradation (ERAD) pathway, which decreases productivity. Co-expression of selected UPR genes, along with the recombinant gene of interest, is a common approach to enhance the production of properly folded, secreted proteins. Such an approach, however, is not always successful and sometimes, protein productivity decreases because of an unbalanced UPR. This review summarizes successful chaperone co-expression strategies in P. pastoris that are specifically related to overproduction of foreign proteins and the UPR. In addition, it illustrates possible negative effects on the cell’s physiology and productivity resulting from genetic engineering of the UPR pathway. We have focused on Pichia’s potential for commercial production of valuable proteins and we aim to optimize molecular designs so that production strains can be tailored to suit a specific heterologous product.

Key points

• Chaperones co-expressed with recombinant genes affect productivity in P. pastoris.

• Enhanced UPR may impair strain physiology and promote protein degradation.

• Gene copy number of the target gene and the chaperone determine the secretion rate.
Correction to: [18F]FDG PET radiomics to predict disease-free survival in cervical cancer: a multi-scanner/center study with external validation
Authors: Ferreira Marta , Lovinfosse Pierre , Hermesse Johanne , Decuypere Marjolein , Rousseau Caroline , Lucia François , Schick Ulrike , Reinhold Caroline , Robin Philippe , Hatt Mathieu , Visvikis Dimitris , Bernard Claire , Leijenaar Ralph T. H. , Kridelka Frédéric , Lambin Philippe , Meyer Patrick E. , Hustinx Roland
Published: May 2021

A correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org10.1007/s00259-021-05397-x
Complex challenges of estimating the age and vitality of muscle wounds: a study with matrix metalloproteinases and their inhibitors on animal and human tissue samples
Authors: Niedecker A. , Huhn R. , Ritz-Timme St. , Mayer F.
Published: May 2021

The estimation of wound age and wound vitality is a recurring task in forensic routine work and has been subject of forensic research for a long time. By now, an unrestrictedly reliable marker or set of markers has not been found. In a study on myocardial infarctions, matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) 2 and 9 as well as tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases 1 (TIMP-1) were detected immunohistochemically in mechanically wounded myocardium (ECG electrodes, vessel ligations). Against this background, the potency of MMP-9, MMP-2, and TIMP-1 as markers for the estimation of wound age and wound vitality was tested in a broad approach with human tissue samples drawn during autopsies and with an animal model, the isolated perfused Langendorff heart. The study comprised samples of injured human skeletal muscle, injured human myocardium, rats’ hearts with vital wounds, and rats’ hearts with postmortem-inflicted wounds that were all stained immunohistochemically. The results showed great scattering, leading to the conclusion that MMP-2, MMP-9, and TIMP-1 are not suitable for wound age estimation. Merely the results for TIMP-1 suggested that this marker might be able to differentiate between vital and postmortem-inflicted wounds. With a view to the promising results of the preceding study, the results underline the necessity to test possible markers of wound age/wound vitality on a large and diverse sample set.
Adhesion prevention after endometriosis surgery — results of a randomized, controlled clinical trial with second-look laparoscopy
Authors: Krämer Bernhard , Andress Jürgen , Neis Felix , Hoffmann Sascha , Brucker Sara , Kommoss Stefan , Höller Alice
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Adhesion formation after endometriosis surgery is a severe problem affecting up to 90% of patients. Possible complications include chronic pain, ileus, and secondary infertility. Therefore, effective adhesion prophylaxis is desirable, for which the adhesion barrier 4DryField® PH is evaluated in the present clinical study. It is a starch-based powder that forms a gel after irrigation with saline solution and thus separates surgical sites as physical barrier for adhesion prevention.

Methods

Fifty patients with extensive and deep infiltrating endometriosis were included in this prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial with two-staged laparoscopic approach. The patients were randomized into two groups, one receiving 4DryField® PH and the other irrigation with saline solution for adhesion prevention. Adhesion formation was directly scored during second-look interventions considering incidence, extent, and severity. Adhesion prevention treatment in the second surgery was performed corresponding to the first intervention to evaluate the long-term outcome in the later course.

Results

Both groups were comparable with respect to relevant patient parameters. Severity and extent of adhesions were significantly reduced by 85% in the 4DryField® PH group compared to the control group (mean total adhesion score 2.2 vs. 14.2; p = 0.004). Incidence of adhesion formation based on the number of affected sites was significantly reduced by 53% in the intervention vs. control group (mean 1.1 vs. 2.3 sites; p = 0.004). Follow-up of secondary endpoints is not yet completed; results will become available at a later stage.

Conclusion

Adhesion formation could be reduced significantly by 85% by application of the adhesion barrier 4DryField® PH.

Trial registration

Trial registration main ID: DRKS00014720, secondary ID: U1111-1213-4142; date of registration 09th May 2018.
The influence of variable emissivity on lava flow propagation modeling
Authors: Thompson James O. , Ramsey Michael S.
Published: May 2021

Modeling lava flow propagation is important to determine potential hazards to local populations. Thermo-rheological models such as PyFLOWGO track downflow cooling and rheological responses for open-channel, cooling-limited flows. The dominant radiative cooling component is governed partly by the lava emissivity, which is a material property that governs the radiative efficiency. Emissivity is commonly treated as a constant in cooling models, but is shown here to vary with temperature. To establish the effect of temperature on emissivity, high spatiotemporal, multispectral thermal infrared data were acquired of a small flow emplaced from a tumulus. An inverse correlation between temperature and emissivity was found, which was then integrated into the PyFLOWGO model. Incorporating a temperature-dependent emissivity term results in a ∼5% increase in flow length and < 75% lower total cumulative heat flux for the small flow. To evaluate the scalability of this relationship, we applied the modified PyFLOWGO model to simulations of the 2018 Lower East Rift Zone fissure 8 flow, emplaced between May 27 and June 3. Our model improves the emplacement match because of the ~ 30% lower heat flux resulting in a ∼7% longer flow compared to modeling using a constant emissivity (0.95). This 5–7% increase in length prior to ocean entry, realized by an accurate temperature-dependent emissivity term, is critical for developing the most accurate model of future flow hazard assessments, particularly if population centers lie in the flow’s path.