bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using geometric mean to compute robust mixture designs
Authors: Limmun Wanida , Chomtee Boonorm , Borkowski John J.
Published: May 2021

Mixture experiments involve developing a dedicated formulation for specific applications. We propose the weighted optimality criterion using the geometric mean as the objective function for the genetic algorithms. We generate a robust mixture design using genetic algorithms (GAs) of which the region of interest is an irregularly shaped polyhedral region formed by constraints on proportions of the mixture component. When specific terms in the initial model display unimportant effects, it is assumed that they are removed. The design generation objective requires model robustness across the set of the reduced models of the design. Proposing an alternative way to tackle the problem, we find that the proposed GA designs based on G‐ or/and IV‐efficiency are robust to model misspecification.
Disturbance observer‐based finite‐time control scheme for dynamic positioning of ships subject to thruster faults
Authors: Chen Haili , Ren Hongxiang , Gao Zongjiang , Yu Feng , Guan Wei , Wang Delong
Published: May 2021

The increasing dependence on marine resources has encouraged the rapid development of dynamic positioning (DP) technology in ships and other marine vessels. This study proposes a novel DP scheme for ships subjected to comprehensive disturbances (unknown environmental disturbances and thruster faults). An integral nonsingular fast terminal sliding mode control (INFTSMC) scheme is initially designed without accounting for environmental disturbances. This scheme has a higher convergence rate and robustness against unknown environmental disturbances than the NFTSMC scheme. Furthermore, a new finite‐time disturbance observer is developed to adapt to the changes in the comprehensive disturbances and ensure that the observed errors converge within a small region around the origin in finite time. The INFTSMC scheme is then combined with the finite‐time observer to create a finite‐time observer‐based thruster fault‐tolerant control (FTOAFTC) scheme. Detailed simulation studies and quantitative analyses are carried out on the traditional sliding mode control (SMC), NFTSMC, and FTOAFTC schemes. The FTOAFTC scheme's transient and steady‐state performances, robustness against environmental disturbances, and fault‐tolerance ability are found to be superior to those of the other schemes.
A practical extension of the recursive multi‐fidelity model for the emulation of hole closure experiments
Authors: Muyskens Amanda , Schmidt Kathleen , Nelms Matthew , Barton Nathan , Florando Jeffrey , Kupresanin Ana , Rivera David
Published: May 2021

In regimes of high strain rate, the strength of materials often cannot be measured directly in experiments. Instead, the strength is inferred based on an experimental observable, such as a change in shape, that is matched by simulations supported by a known strength model. In hole closure experiments, the rate and degree to which a central hole in a plate of material closes during a dynamic loading event are used to infer material strength parameters. Due to the complexity of the experiment, many computationally expensive, three‐dimensional simulations are necessary to train an emulator for calibration or other analyses. These simulations can be run at multiple grid resolutions, where dense grids are slower but more accurate. In an effort to reduce the computational cost, a combination of simulations with different resolutions can be combined to develop an accurate emulator within a limited training time. We explore the novel design and construction of an appropriate functional recursive multi‐fidelity emulator of a strength model for tantalum in hole closure experiments that can be applied to arbitrarily large training data. Hence, by formulating a multi‐fidelity model to employ low‐fidelity simulations, we were able to reduce the error of our emulator by approximately 81% with only an approximately 1.6% increase in computing resource utilization.
Type II Collagen-Positive Embryonic Progenitors are the Major Contributors to Spine and Intervertebral Disc Development and Repair
Authors: Li Xinhua , Yang Shuting , Qin Ling , Yang Shuying
Published: May 2021

Basic mechanism of spine development is poorly understood. Type II collagen positive (Col2+) cells have been reported to encompass early mesenchymal progenitors that continue to become chondrocytes, osteoblasts, stromal cells, and adipocytes in long bone. However, the function of Col2+ cells in spine and intervertebral disc (IVD) development is largely unknown. To further elucidate the function of Col2+ progenitors in spine, we generated the mice with ablation of Col2+ cells either at embryonic or at postnatal stage. Embryonic ablation of Col2+ progenitors caused the mouse die at newborn with the absence of all spine and IVD. Moreover, postnatal deletion Col2+ cells in spine resulted in a shorter growth plate and endplate cartilage, defected inner annulus fibrosus, a less compact and markedly decreased gel-like matrix in the nucleus pulposus and disorganized cell alignment in each compartment of IVD. Genetic lineage tracing IVD cell populations by using inducible Col2-creERT;tdTomato reporter mice and non-inducible Col2-cre;tdTomato reporter mice revealed that the numbers and differentiation ability of Col2+ progenitors decreased with age. Moreover, immunofluorescence staining showed type II collagen expression changed from extracellular matrix to cytoplasm in nucleus pulposus between 6 month and 1-year-old mice. Finally, fate-mapping studies revealed that Col2+ progenitors are essential for IVD repair in IVD injured model. In summary, embryonic Col2+ cells are the major source of spine development and Col2+ progenitors are the important contributors for IVD repair and regeneration.
Minimum sample size for external validation of a clinical prediction model with a binary outcome
Authors: Riley Richard D. , Debray Thomas P. A. , Collins Gary S. , Archer Lucinda , Ensor Joie , van Smeden Maarten , Snell Kym I. E.
Published: May 2021

In prediction model research, external validation is needed to examine an existing model's performance using data independent to that for model development. Current external validation studies often suffer from small sample sizes and consequently imprecise predictive performance estimates. To address this, we propose how to determine the minimum sample size needed for a new external validation study of a prediction model for a binary outcome. Our calculations aim to precisely estimate calibration (Observed/Expected and calibration slope), discrimination (C‐statistic), and clinical utility (net benefit). For each measure, we propose closed‐form and iterative solutions for calculating the minimum sample size required. These require specifying: (i) target SEs (confidence interval widths) for each estimate of interest, (ii) the anticipated outcome event proportion in the validation population, (iii) the prediction model's anticipated (mis)calibration and variance of linear predictor values in the validation population, and (iv) potential risk thresholds for clinical decision‐making. The calculations can also be used to inform whether the sample size of an existing (already collected) dataset is adequate for external validation. We illustrate our proposal for external validation of a prediction model for mechanical heart valve failure with an expected outcome event proportion of 0.018. Calculations suggest at least 9835 participants (177 events) are required to precisely estimate the calibration and discrimination measures, with this number driven by the calibration slope criterion, which we anticipate will often be the case. Also, 6443 participants (116 events) are required to precisely estimate net benefit at a risk threshold of 8%. Software code is provided.
Robust estimation and variable selection for the accelerated failure time model
Authors: Li Yi , Liang Muxuan , Mao Lu , Wang Sijian
Published: May 2021

This article concerns robust modeling of the survival time for cancer patients. Accurate prediction of patient survival time is crucial to the development of effective therapeutic strategies. To this goal, we propose a unified Expectation‐Maximization approach combined with theL1‐norm penalty to perform variable selection and parameter estimation simultaneously in the accelerated failure time model with right‐censored survival data of moderate sizes. Our approach accommodates general loss functions, and reduces to the well‐known Buckley‐James method when the squared‐error loss is used without regularization. To mitigate the effects of outliers and heavy‐tailed noise in real applications, we recommend the use of robust loss functions under the general framework. Furthermore, our approach can be extended to incorporate group structure among covariates. We conduct extensive simulation studies to assess the performance of the proposed methods with different loss functions and apply them to an ovarian carcinoma study as an illustration.
Wavelength‐Tunable, Long Lifetime, and Biocompatible Luminescent Nanoparticles Based on a Vitamin E‐Derived Material for Inflammation and Tumor Imaging
Authors: Yan Xinhao , Lin Wenjie , Liu Huan , Pu Wendan , Li Junhong , Wu Peng , Ding Jun , Luo Gaoxing , Zhang Jianxiang
Published: May 2021

Luminescence imaging is one of the most effective noninvasive strategies for detection and stratification of inflammation and oxidative stress that are closely related to the pathogenesis of numerous acute and chronic diseases. Herein biocompatible nanoparticles based on a peroxalate ester derived from vitamin E (defined as OVE) are developed. In combination with different fluorophores, OVE can generate luminescence systems with emission wavelengths varying from blue to the near‐infrared light in its native and nanoparticle forms, in the presence of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The OVE‐based nanoprobes exhibit high luminescence signals with extremely long lifetime, upon triggering by inflammatory conditions with abnormally elevated H2O2. Activated neutrophils and macrophages can be illuminated by this type of luminescent nanoprobes, with luminescence intensities positively correlated with inflammatory cell counts. In mouse models of peritonitis, alcoholic liver injury, drug‐induced acute liver injury, and acute lung injury, the developed luminescence nanoprobes enable precision imaging of inflammation and disease progression. Moreover, tumors expressing a high level of H2O2 can be shined. Importantly, the OVE‐based nanoplatform shows excellent in vitro and in vivo biocompatibility.
Architecturing 1D‐2D‐3D Multidimensional Coupled CsPbI2Br Perovskites toward Highly Effective and Stable Solar Cells
Authors: Liu Kun , Yuan Songyang , Xian Yeming , Long Yi , Yao Qin , Rahman Naveed Ur , Guo Yang , Sun Mingyuan , Xue Qifan , Yip Hin‐Lap , Cabot Andreu , Li Wenzhe , Fan Jiandong
Published: May 2021

Despite the rapid development of CsPbIxBr3−x (0 ≤ x ≤ 3) inorganic perovskite solar cells, associated with their superior thermal stability, their low moisture stability limits their commercial deployment. In this study, 1D‐2D‐3D multidimensional coupled perovskites are prepared by means of an in situ self‐integration approach. This pioneering method allows incorporating thus far unreported 1D‐Tpy2Pb3I6 and 2D‐TpyPb3I6 (Tpy; terpyridine) perovskites. Heterojunction perovskites demonstrate superior stability against water in comparison with control 3D CsPbI2Br, which is related to the hydrophobicity of low‐dimension (LD) perovskites. Remarkably, the spontaneous involvement of LD perovskites can adjust/reconstruct the interfacial structure. This modification allows releasing the residual strain, establishing effective charge transfer channels that increase the carrier transport ability. Accordingly, 1D‐2D‐3D hybrid CsPbI2Br perovskite solar cells demonstrate a stabilized power conversion efficiency as high as 16.1%, which represents a very significant improvement, by a factor of 43%, with respect to control 3D CsPbI2Br perovskite solar cell. Equally importantly, the multidimensional coupled perovskite solar cells exhibit extraordinary stability, well above 1000 h in ambient atmosphere.
Enhanced Thermoelectric Performance in Ge0.955−xSbxTe/FeGe2 Composites Enabled by Hierarchical Defects
Authors: Xie Li , Liu Ruiheng , Zhu Chenxi , Bu Zhonglin , Qiu Wujie , Liu Jianjun , Xu Fangfang , Pei Yanzhong , Bai Shengqiang , Chen Lidong
Published: May 2021

Manipulations of carrier and phonon scatterings through hierarchical structures have been proved to be effective in improving thermoelectric performance. Previous efforts in GeTe‐based materials mainly focus on simultaneously optimizing the carrier concentration and band structure. In this work, a synergistic strategy to tailor thermal and electrical transport properties of GeTe by combination with the scattering effects from both Ge vacancies and other defects is reported. The addition of Fe in GeTe‐based compounds introduces the secondary phase of FeGe2, synchronously increasing the concentration of Ge vacancies and arousing more Ge planar defects. These hierarchical defects contribute to a large scattering factor, leading to a significant enhancement of Seebeck coefficient and further a splendid power factor. Meanwhile, benefiting from the reinforced phonon scatterings by multiscale hierarchical structures, an extremely low lattice thermal conductivity is successfully achieved. With simultaneously optimized electrical and thermal transport properties, a maximum figure of merit, zT, value of 2.1 at 750 K and an average zT value of 1.5 in 400–800 K are realized in Ge0.875Sb0.08Te/1.5%FeGe2. This work demonstrates that manipulation of hierarchical defects is an effective strategy to optimize the thermoelectric properties.
Sulfonic Acid Functionalized Magnetic Starch as an Efficient Catalyst for the Synthesis of Chromeno[4,3‐b]quinoline‐6,8(9H)‐dione Derivatives
Authors: Sayahi Mohammad Hosein , Shamkhani Fatemeh , Mahdavi Mohammad , Bahadorikhalili Saeed
Published: May 2021

In this paper, sulfonic acid functionalize magnetic starch (denoted Starch/SPION@SO3H) is fabricated by the polymerization of 4‐styrenesulfonic acid on the surface of magnetic starch. Magnetic starch (Starch/SPION) is synthesized by covalent modification of starch by silica capsulate superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPION). For this purpose, Starch/SPION is modified by allyltrimethoxysilane, follows by the polymerization of 4‐styrenesulfonic acid onto this material. The catalyst is characterized by various characterization techniques, including transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), vibrating‐sample magnetometer (VSM), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and acid/base titration. The characterizations prove the structure of Starch/SPION@SO3H catalyst. The catalytic activity of Starch/SPION@SO3H is evaluated in the multicomponent reaction of 4‐hydroxycoumarin, benzaldehydes, dimedone, and ammonium acetate for the synthesis of chromeno[4,3‐b]quinoline‐6,8(9H)‐dione derivatives. The catalyst shows very good activity in the synthesis of chromeno[4,3‐b]quinoline‐6,8(9H)‐dione derivatives. Several benzaldehydes with electron donating or electron withdrawing functionalities are used as starting material and all the substrates give the desired products in high isolated yields. In addition, the catalyst is extremely reusable during 10 sequential runs. Characterization of Starch/SPION@SO3H catalyst by TEM, VSM, and acid/base titration after recovery from the reaction proves the stability of the catalyst in the reaction conditions.
Vellozo's Florae Fluminensis: A new assessment of the São Paulo part of his collecting itinerary, its vegetation, and species list
Authors: Pastore José Floriano Barêa , Mota Michelle , de Menezes Helen Fernandes , Trovó Marcelo
Published: May 2021

Our analysis of Vellozo's itineraries and his manuscript annotations show that ca. 1/4 of the names described in his Florae Fluminensis were based on plants collected in the municipality of Cunha, state of São Paulo. This region, within the Atlantic Forest domain, encompasses various vegetation formations, such as montane ombrophilous forests, mixed ombrophilous forests, and high‐altitude open savanna enclaves. Using Vellozo's manuscripts, we traced his collecting itinerary, correlating his descriptive terms for the vegetation types to the toponyms and dates. In contrast to the term “maritimus”, associated in Florae Fluminensis with the Atlantic Forest vegetation in the state of Rio de Janeiro, the term “mediterraneus” is associated with the vegetation along the Royal Road (Estrada Real) in the region of Cunha, state of São Paulo and is usually related to the term “transalpinus” of the region of mountaintops delimiting the border between the states of São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. Maps of Vellozo's itinerary, as well as a discussion of species names most likely described from the state of São Paulo are provided.
Development and validation of an observation protocol for measuring science teachers' modeling‐based teaching performance
Authors: Shi Fan , Wang Lei , Liu Xiufeng , Chiu Mei‐Hung
Published: May 2021

To achieve the goal of cultivating students' scientific modeling competence, it is crucial to improve teachers' epistemic knowledge and skills with respect to modeling‐based teaching. Taking into consideration existing studies on enhancing teaching competence and teachers' professional development on modeling, and the importance of classroom teaching quality for effective and meaningful teaching and learning, we proposed a framework for the assessment of teachers' modeling‐based teaching performance (MBTP) in science classrooms. Based on the framework, we developed hypotheses on 18 MBTP indicators and five levels of MBTP, and created a modeling‐based teaching observation protocol (MBTOP) to test these hypotheses, to see how well they represent teachers' levels of MBTP, and how well they differentiate teachers with different MBTPs. We found that most of the lessons in our research sample were at a low level, and MBTP indicators proposed in this study could distinguish individual lessons in terms of their levels of MBTP. The validated performance indicators and levels can provide insights for the assessment and development of teachers' modeling‐based teaching competencies in science teaching.
The protective effect of early dietary fat consumption on Alzheimer's disease–related pathology and cognitive function in mice
Authors: Amelianchik Anna , Merkel Jonathan , Palanisamy Premkumar , Kaneki Shigeru , Hyatt Emily , Norris Erin H.
Published: May 2021

Introduction

It has been suggested that obesity may influence Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis, yet the numerous publications on this topic have inconsistent results and conclusions.

Methods

Our study examined the effect of varying the timing of high‐fat diet (HFD) consumption on AD‐related pathology and cognition in transgenic Tg6799 AD mice.

Results

HFD feeding starting at or before 3 months of age, prior to severe AD pathology, had protective effects in AD mice: reduced extracellular amyloid beta (Aβ) deposition, decreased fibrinogen extravasation into the brain parenchyma, and improved cognitive function. However, delaying HFD consumption until 6 months of age, when AD pathology is ubiquitous, reduced these protective effects in AD mice.

Discussion

Overall, we demonstrate that the timeline of HFD consumption may play an important role in how dietary fats affect AD pathogenesis and cognitive function.
Sexual dysfunction in men with advanced prostate cancer
Authors: Kinnaird William , Konteti Vaidehi KS , Mitra Anita , Davda Reena , Payne Heather
Published: May 2021

Quality of life is a prime focus in prostate cancer treatment now survival rates have improved significantly. Sexual dysfunction is a common side‐effect of treatment that needs support and guidance to help men and their partners.
Use of extruded eggshell as a calcium source substituting limestone or oyster shell in the diet of laying hens
Authors: Islam Mohammad Aminul , Nishibori Masahide
Published: May 2021

The nutritional values of limestone, oyster shell and extruded eggshells were evaluated using different methods. In total, 120 ready‐to‐lay pullets, 18‐week‐old ISA Brown were distributed into six dietary groups, namely D1 (4% limestone), D2 (8% limestone), D3 (4% oyster shell), D4 (8% oyster shell), D5 (4% eggshell) and D6 (8% eggshell), to assess the effect of calcium sources on egg production, egg quality, dry matter and cholesterol content of the egg. Kitchen‐extruded eggshell contained 98.52, 4.24, 29.75 and 14.82% DM, CP, Ca and P, whereas hatchery‐extruded eggshell contained 99.20, 13.80, 25.53 and 13.87% DM, CP, Ca and P, respectively. Limestone and Oyster shells contained 99.60 and 99.51% DM, and 37.12 and 35.20% Ca, respectively. Body weight, egg, hen day and egg mass production, and FCR did not differ among diets (p > .05). Egg production tended to increase with the increase of hen‐housed egg production (p < .001) in D6, followed by D2, D5, D3, D4 and D1, respectively. The lowest production cost and the highest net profit were observed in D6, followed by D2, D4, D5, D1 and D3, respectively. Diet with 8% Ca sources performed better than the diets with 4% Ca sources in terms of egg quality and dry matter content, where D6 was comparable to D2 or D4. The weight of egg, albumen, yolk, eggshell, dry yolk and yolk–albumen ratio increased, while dry albumen and eggshell weight, eggshell strength and thickness, Haugh unit, yolk index and egg‐specific gravity decreased with the increase in bird's age. The cholesterol content of yolk was statistically similar among diets. Therefore, no adverse effect of calcium sources on the production of laying hen was observed. Of these, extruded eggshell especially the 8% extruded eggshell may be beneficial to use in the diet of laying hen for producing a quality, safe and profitable egg.
Gravitational wave complementarity and impact of NANOGrav data on gravitational leptogenesis
Authors: Samanta Rome , Datta Satyabrata
Published: May 2021

Abstract

In seesaw mechanism, if right handed (RH) neutrino masses are generated dynamically by a gauged U(1) symmetry breaking, a stochastic gravitational wave background (SGWB) sourced by a cosmic string network could be a potential probe of leptogenesis. We show that the leptogenesis mechanism that facilitates the dominant production of lepton asymmetry via the quantum effects of right-handed neutrinos in gravitational background, can be probed by GW detectors as well as next-generation neutrinoless double beta decay (0νββ) experiments in a complementary way. We infer that for a successful leptogenesis, an exclusion limit on f − ΩGWh2 plane would correspond to an exclusion on the |mββ| − m1 plane as well. We consider a normal light neutrino mass ordering and discuss how recent NANOGrav pulsar timing data (if interpreted as GW signal) e.g., at 95% CL, would correlate with the potential discovery or null signal in 0νββ decay experiments.
Intertwining operator and integrable hierarchies from topological strings
Authors: Bourgine Jean-Emile
Published: May 2021

Abstract

In [1], Nakatsu and Takasaki have shown that the melting crystal model behind the topological strings vertex provides a tau-function of the KP hierarchy after an appropriate time deformation. We revisit their derivation with a focus on the underlying quantum W1+∞ symmetry. Specifically, we point out the role played by automorphisms and the connection with the intertwiner — or vertex operator — of the algebra. This algebraic perspective allows us to extend part of their derivation to the refined melting crystal model, lifting the algebra to the quantum toroidal algebra of $$ \mathfrak{gl} $$
gl
(1) (also called Ding-Iohara-Miki algebra). In this way, we take a first step toward the definition of deformed hierarchies associated to A-model refined topological strings.
On stability of fermionic superconducting current in cosmic string
Authors: Ibe Masahiro , Kobayashi Shin , Nakayama Yuhei , Shirai Satoshi
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Recently, the chiral superconductivity of the cosmic string in the axion model has gathered attention. The superconductive nature can alter the standard understanding of the cosmology of the axion model. For example, a string loop with a sizable super-conducting current can become a stable configuration, which is called a Vorton. The superconductive nature can also affect the cosmological evolution of the string network. In this paper, we study the stability of the superconducting current in the string. We find the superconductivity is indeed stable for a straight string or infinitely small string core size, even if the carrier particles are unstable in the vacuum. However we also find that the carrier particle decays in a curved string in typical axion models, if the carrier particles are unstable in the vacuum. Accordingly, the lifetime of the Vorton is not far from that of the carrier particle in the vacuum.
On systems of maximal quantum chaos
Authors: Blake Mike , Liu Hong
Published: May 2021

Abstract

A remarkable feature of chaos in many-body quantum systems is the existence of a bound on the quantum Lyapunov exponent. An important question is to understand what is special about maximally chaotic systems which saturate this bound. Here we provide further evidence for the ‘hydrodynamic’ origin of chaos in such systems, and discuss hallmarks of maximally chaotic systems. We first provide evidence that a hydrodynamic effective field theory of chaos we previously proposed should be understood as a theory of maximally chaotic systems. We then emphasize and make explicit a signature of maximal chaos which was only implicit in prior literature, namely the suppression of exponential growth in commutator squares of generic few-body operators. We provide a general argument for this suppression within our chaos effective field theory, and illustrate it using SYK models and holographic systems. We speculate that this suppression indicates that the nature of operator scrambling in maximally chaotic systems is fundamentally different to scrambling in non-maximally chaotic systems. We also discuss a simplest scenario for the existence of a maximally chaotic regime at sufficiently large distances even for non-maximally chaotic systems.
Long Tsunami Oscillations Following the 30 October 2020 Mw 7.0 Aegean Sea Earthquake: Observations and Modelling
Authors: Heidarzadeh Mohammad , Pranantyo Ignatius Ryan , Okuwaki Ryo , Dogan Gozde Guney , Yalciner Ahmet C.
Published: May 2021

Eastern Mediterranean Sea has experienced four tsunamigenic earthquakes since 2017, which delivered moderate damage to coastal communities in Turkey and Greece. The most recent of these tsunamis occurred on 30 October 2020 in the Aegean Sea, which was generated by an Mw7.0 normal-faulting earthquake, offshore Izmir province (Turkey) and Samos Island (Greece). The earthquake was destructive and caused death tolls of 117 and 2 in Turkey and Greece, respectively. The tsunami produced moderate damage and killed one person in Turkey. Due to the semi-enclosed nature of the Aegean Sea basin, any tsunami perturbation in this sea is expected to trigger several basin oscillations. Here, we study the 2020 tsunami through sea level data analysis and numerical simulations with the aim of further understanding tsunami behavior in the Aegean Sea. Analysis of data from available tide gauges showed that the maximum zero-to-crest tsunami amplitude was 5.1–11.9 cm. The arrival times of the maximum tsunami wave were up to 14.9 h after the first tsunami arrivals at each station. The duration of tsunami oscillation was from 19.6 h to > 90 h at various tide gauges. Spectral analysis revealed several peak periods for the tsunami; we identified the tsunami source periods as 14.2–23.3 min. We attributed other peak periods (4.5 min, 5.7 min, 6.9 min, 7.8 min, 9.9 min, 10.2 min and 32.0 min) to non-source phenomena such as basin and sub-basin oscillations. By comparing surveyed run-up and coastal heights with simulated ones, we noticed the north-dipping fault model better reproduces the tsunami observations as compared to the south-dipping fault model. However, we are unable to choose a fault model because the surveyed run-up data are very limited and are sparsely distributed. Additional researches on this event using other types of geophysical data are required to determine the actual fault plane of the earthquake.
Optimization of metallic powder filaments for additive manufacturing extrusion (MEX)
Authors: Cerejo Fábio , Gatões Daniel , Vieira M. T.
Published: May 2021

Additive manufacturing (AM) of metallic powder particles has been establishing itself as sustainable, whatever the technology selected. Material extrusion (MEX) integrates the ongoing effort to improve AM sustainability, in which low-cost equipment is associated with a decrease of powder waste during manufacturing. MEX has been gaining increasing interest for building 3D functional/structural metallic parts because it incorporates the consolidated knowledge from powder injection moulding/extrusion feedstocks into the AM scope—filament extrusion layer-by-layer. Moreover, MEX as an indirect process can overcome some of the technical limitations of direct AM processes (laser/electron-beam-based) regarding energy-matter interactions. The present study reveals an optimal methodology to produce MEX filament feedstocks (metallic powder, binder, and additives), having in mind to attain the highest metallic powder content. Nevertheless, the main challenges are also to achieve high extrudability and a suitable ratio between stiffness and flexibility. The metallic powder volume content (vol.%) in the feedstocks was evaluated by the critical powder volume concentration (CPVC). Subsequently, the rheology of the feedstocks was established by means of the mixing torque value, which is related to the filament extrudability performance.
Pregnancy in arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Wichter Thomas , Milberg Peter , Wichter Henry D. , Dechering Dirk G.
Published: May 2021

Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (AC) is a rare heart muscle disease with a genetic background and autosomal dominant mode of transmission. The clinical manifestation is characterized by ventricular arrhythmias (VA), heart failure (HF) and the risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD). Pregnancy in young female patients with AC represents a challenging condition for the life and family planning of young affected women. In addition to genetic mechanisms that influence the complex pathophysiology of AC, experimental and clinical data have confirmed the pathogenetic role of strenuous exercise and competitive sports in the early onset and rapid progression of AC symptoms and complications. Pregnancy and exercise share a number of physiological aspects of adaptation. In AC, both result in ventricular volume overload and myocardial stretch. Therefore, pregnancy has been postulated as a potential risk factor for HF, VA, SCD, and pregnancy-related obstetric complications in patients with AC. However, the available evidence on pregnancy in AC does not confirm this hypothesis. In most women with AC, pregnancies are well tolerated, uneventful, and follow a benign course. Pregnancy-related symptoms (VA, syncope, HF) and mortality, as well as obstetric complications, are uncommon in AC patients and range in the order of background populations and cohorts with AC and no pregnancy. The number of completed pregnancies is not associated with an acceleration of AC pathology or an increased risk of VA or HF during pregnancy and follow-up. Accordingly, there is no medical indication to advise against pregnancy in patients with AC. Preconditions include stability of rhythm and hemodynamics at baseline, as well as clinical follow-ups and the availability of multidisciplinary expert consultation during pregnancy and postpartum. Genetic counseling is recommended prior to pregnancy for all couples and their families affected by AC.
Analytical Solutions to Predict Impact Behaviour of Stringer Stiffened Composite Aircraft Panels
Authors: Correas A. Chao , Crespo A. Casares , Ghasemnejad H. , Roshan G.
Published: May 2021

This paper aims to develop an analytical method to predict the low-velocity impact response of simply supported stringer stiffened panels. Since the combination of stringer and panel provides aircraft structure with variable thicknesses, significant mathematical modelling is required to predict the transverse impact response of this type of designs. Within this analysis, the effect of variable stiffness distribution due to the stringer presence has been included. The performance of various layups is investigated to find the most suitable combination for panel-stringer laminate under impact loading. Analytical models were developed based on a spring-mass system to predict the dynamic behaviour of the striker-plate domain and, finally, determine the contact force history, which shows the main novelty of this research. Compared with Finite Element results, the model developed proved to successfully predict stringer stiffened composite panels' response with a range of layups and geometry designs under low-velocity impact loading conditions. The analytical results agree with the available data in the literature, and the error is less than 5%.
Systemic inflammation markers and cancer incidence in the UK Biobank
Authors: Nøst Therese Haugdahl , Alcala Karine , Urbarova Ilona , Byrne Karl Smith , Guida Florence , Sandanger Torkjel Manning , Johansson Mattias
Published: May 2021

Systemic inflammation markers have been linked to increased cancer risk and mortality in a number of studies. However, few studies have estimated pre-diagnostic associations of systemic inflammation markers and cancer risk. Such markers could serve as biomarkers of cancer risk and aid in earlier identification of the disease. This study estimated associations between pre-diagnostic systemic inflammation markers and cancer risk in the prospective UK Biobank cohort of approximately 440,000 participants recruited between 2006 and 2010. We assessed associations between four immune-related markers based on blood cell counts: systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR), and risk for 17 cancer sites by estimating hazard ratios (HR) using flexible parametric survival models. We observed positive associations with risk for seven out of 17 cancers with SII, NLR, PLR, and negative associations with LMR. The strongest associations were observed for SII for colorectal and lung cancer risk, with associations increasing in magnitude for cases diagnosed within one year of recruitment. For instance, the HR for colorectal cancer per standard deviation increment in SII was estimated at 1.09 (95% CI 1.02–1.16) in blood drawn five years prior to diagnosis and 1.50 (95% CI 1.24–1.80) in blood drawn one month prior to diagnosis. We observed associations between systemic inflammation markers and risk for several cancers. The increase in risk the last year prior to diagnosis may reflect a systemic immune response to an already present, yet clinically undetected cancer. Blood cell ratios could serve as biomarkers of cancer incidence risk with potential for early identification of disease in the last year prior to clinical diagnosis.
Secondary attack rates of COVID-19 in Norwegian families: a nation-wide register-based study
Authors: Telle Kjetil , Jørgensen Silje B. , Hart Rannveig , Greve-Isdahl Margrethe , Kacelnik Oliver
Published: May 2021

To characterize the family index case for detected SARS-CoV-2 and describe testing and secondary attack rates in the family, we used individual-level administrative data of all families and all PCR tests for SARS-CoV-2 in Norway in 2020. All families with at least one parent and one child below the age of 20 who lived at the same address (N = 662,582), where at least one member, i.e. the index case, tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 in 2020, were included. Secondary attack rates (SAR7) were defined as the share of non-index family members with a positive PCR test within 7 days after the date when the index case tested positive. SARs were calculated separately for parent- and child-index cases, and for parent- and child-secondary cases. We identified 7548 families with an index case, comprising 26,991 individuals (12,184 parents, 14,808 children). The index was a parent in 66% of the cases. Among index children, 42% were in the age group 17–20 and only 8% in the age group 0–6. When the index was a parent, SAR7 was 24% (95% CI 24–25), whilst SAR7 was 14% (95% CI 13–15) when the index was a child. However, SAR7 was 24% (95% CI 20–28) when the index was a child aged 0–6 years and declined with increasing age of the index child. SAR7 from index parent to other parent was 35% (95% CI 33–36), and from index child to other children 12% (95% CI 11–13). SAR7 from index child aged 0–6 to parents was 27% (95% CI 22–33). The percent of non-index family members tested within 7 days after the index case, increased from about 20% in April to 80% in December, however, SAR7 stabilized at about 20% from May. We conclude that parents and older children are most often index cases for SARS-CoV-2 in families in Norway, while parents and young children more often transmit the virus within the family. This study suggests that whilst the absolute infection numbers are low for young children because of their low introduction rate, when infected, young children and parents transmit the virus to the same extent within the family.
The Givenness of Other People: On Singularity and Empathy in Husserl
Authors: Rosen Matt
Published: May 2021

Other people figure in our experience of the world; they strike us as unique and genuinely other. This paper explores whether a Husserlian account of empathy as the way in which we constitute an intersubjective world can account for the uniqueness and otherness of other people in our experience. I contend that it can’t. I begin by explicating Husserl’s theory of empathy, paying particular attention to the reduction to a purely egoic sphere and the steps that ostensibly permit a subject to re-inhabit a world of others from out of this sphere. In querying Husserl’s theory, I consider a series of problems, raised by Zhida Luo, concerning the apparent centrality of bodily similarity in empathy. I sketch Luo’s solution, which involves a shift to tactile similarity. While it makes for a better theory of empathy, this solution isn’t sufficient to make room for the givenness of another person not originally predicated on similarity. To clarify what’s at issue here, I turn to the Husserlian pictures of empathy presented by Heinz Kohut and Edith Stein. I conclude with a remark about what might be required, given the inability of Husserlian empathy to make room for the experience of others as singular and other, for a picture of our phenomenal life to have a shape that accounts for the coexistence of empathy to others who are like oneself and hospitality to others as genuine others.
Condensation of SIP Particles and Sticky Brownian Motion
Authors: Ayala Mario , Carinci Gioia , Redig Frank
Published: May 2021

We study the symmetric inclusion process (SIP) in the condensation regime. We obtain an explicit scaling for the variance of the density field in this regime, when initially started from a homogeneous product measure. This provides relevant new information on the coarsening dynamics of condensing interacting particle systems on the infinite lattice. We obtain our result by proving convergence to sticky Brownian motion for the difference of positions of two SIP particles in the sense of Mosco convergence of Dirichlet forms. Our approach implies the convergence of the probabilities of two SIP particles to be together at time t. This, combined with self-duality, allows us to obtain the explicit scaling for the variance of the fluctuation field.
On the nonlocal bending problem with fractional hereditariness
Authors: Barretta Raffaele , Marotti de Sciarra Francesco , Pinnola Francesco P. , Vaccaro Marzia S.
Published: May 2021

Nonlocal hereditariness in Bernoulli–Euler beam is investigated in this paper. An approach to solve that problem is proposed and some analytical solutions are provided. To this aim, time-dependent hereditary behavior is modeled by means of non-integer order operators of the fractional linear viscoelasticity. While, space-dependent nonlocal phenomena are simulated through the integral stress-driven formulation. These two approaches are combined providing a new model able to simulate nonlocal viscoelastic bending problem. Several application samples of the proposed formulation and a thorough parametric study are presented showing the influences of hereditariness and nonlocal effects on the mechanical bending response. Proposed formulation can be useful for design and optimization of structures used in advanced applications when local elastic theory cannot be adopted.
Assessment of anthropogenic pollution by monitoring occurrence and distribution of chemicals in the river Liffey in Dublin
Authors: Peñalver Rosa , Jacobs Matthew R. , Hegarty Susan , Regan Fiona
Published: May 2021

This paper evaluates for the first time the spatial distribution of a wide group of organic (phthalates, nitro, aliphatic, halogen, aromatic, phenol and amino compounds) and inorganic pollutants along the Liffey river in Dublin city. The work takes into account the effect of short-term weather conditions on the occurrence of these contaminants. The results showed that rainfall conditions affect the levels of pollutants along the river in the days following a rainfall event. In addition, the tributaries entering the river Liffey were not found to impact its water quality. In relation to organic pollutants, 2,4,6-trichlorophenol, 2-nitrophenol and phthalate compounds were found in many water samples between concentrations of 0.21 and 2.17 μg L−1. On the other hand, dimethyl phthalate was present in certain samples at levels around 100 μg L−1. The levels of these contaminants in the river were lower than the toxicity values reported in the literature. Regarding inorganic pollutants, nitrates were detected from 0.59 to 6.81 mg L−1increasing from upstream to downstream. Based on the chemical nature and applications of detected pollutants, the river contamination can be mainly related to agricultural, industrial activities as well as diffuse urban contributions. These vary with location within a short distance and have the potential to impact aquatic biodiversity as the chemical composition changes with rainfall events.
Process Selection for the Fabrication of Cavitation Erosion-Resistant Bronze Coatings by Thermal and Kinetic Spraying in Maritime Applications
Authors: Hauer Michél , Gärtner Frank , Krebs Sebastian , Klassen Thomas , Watanabe Makoto , Kuroda Seiji , Krömmer Werner , Henkel Knuth-Michael
Published: May 2021

The present study compares prerequisites for cavitation-resistant bronzes production by different coating techniques, namely cold spraying, HVOF spraying, warm spraying and arc spraying. If optimized to maximum cavitation resistance, the deposited coatings can increase the service life of ship rudders significantly. Furthermore, these methods could enable repair processes for ship propellers. This study is meant to help selecting the right coating technology to achieve best cavitation protection for a given set of requirements. Using high-pressure warm spraying and cold spraying, properties similar to those of cast nickel aluminum bronze are achieved. Also, coatings produced by using HVOF and arc spraying have erosion rates that are only about four, respectively, three times higher as compared to cast nickel aluminum bronze, while by far outperforming bulk shipbuilding steel. Their properties should be sufficient for longer service life, i.e., less docking events for ship rudder repair. Hence, with respect to costs, HVOF and arc spraying could represent a good compromise to reach the specified coating properties needed in application, potentially even for propeller repair.
Ethylenediurea (EDU) effects on hybrid larch saplings exposed to ambient or elevated ozone over three growing seasons
Authors: Agathokleous Evgenios , Kitao Mitsutoshi , Koike Takayoshi
Published: May 2021

Ground-level ozone (O3) pollution is a persistent environmental issue that can lead to adverse effects on trees and wood production, thus indicating a need for forestry interventions to mediate O3 effects. We treated hybrid larch (Larix gmelinii var. japonica × L. kaempferi) saplings grown in nutrient-poor soils with 0 or 400 mg L−1 water solutions of the antiozonant ethylenediurea (EDU0, EDU400) and exposed them to ambient O3 (AOZ; 08:00 − 18:00 ≈ 30 nmol mol−1) or elevated O3 (EOZ; 08:00 − 18:00 ≈ 60 nmol mol−1) over three growing seasons. We found that EDU400 protected saplings against most effects of EOZ, which included extensive visible foliar injury, premature senescence, decreased photosynthetic pigment contents and altered balance between pigments, suppressed gas exchange and biomass production, and impaired leaf litter decay. While EOZ had limited effects on plant growth (suppressed stem diameter), it decreased the total number of buds per plant, an effect that was not observed in the first growing season. These results indicate that responses to EOZ might have implications to plant competitiveness, in the long term, as a result of decreased potential for vegetative growth. However, when buds were standardized per unit of branches biomass, EOZ significantly increased the number of buds per unit of biomass, suggesting a potentially increased investment to bud development, in an effort to enhance growth potential and competitiveness in the next growing season. EDU400 minimized most of these effects of EOZ, significantly enhancing plant health under O3-induced stress. The effect of EDU was attributed mainly to a biochemical mode of action. Therefore, hybrid larch, which is superior to its parents, can be significantly improved by EDU under long-term elevated O3 exposure, providing a perspective for enhancing afforestation practices.