bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coupled bending and torsional beam vibrations excited by a moving load
Authors: Holl Helmut J. , Keplinger Lukas
Published: January 2021

For a simply supported Bernoulli‐Euler beam under a moving load with constant velocity the bending and torsion vibrations are analysed. An analytical solution of the decoupled partial differential equations is derived based on the eigenmode expansion considering the boundary and initial conditions. For the pure bending and the pure torsion the analysis is performed and the beam vibrations are calculated. For various longitudinal speeds the results are plotted. The coupled bending and torsion deformations are computed using a modal transformation. The modal decoupling yields two separated ordinary differential equations in time which are computed using the derived closed form solutions. The solutions of the coupled equations are plotted and discussed. A comparison with a numerical calculation of a finite element model which shows good agreement.
Simulating vertebroplasty: A biomechanical challenge
Authors: Trivedi Zubin , Bleiler Christian , Gehweiler Dominic , Gueorguiev-Rüegg Boyko , Ricken Tim , Wagner Arndt , Röhrle Oliver
Published: January 2021

Every year, 1.4 million osteoporosis‐related vertebral fractures occur worldwide, which cause about 33 % of all osteoporotic fracture‐related deaths. Vertebroplasty is a medical procedure for treating vertebral fractures, wherein a polymer called bone‐cement is injected into the porous structure inside the vertebra. The associated risk of bone‐cement leaking outside of the vertebra can be mitigated by simulating the procedure, which can help clinicians to determine the right operating parameters in advance. However, modelling this procedure is challenging as well as computationally expensive using conventional methods, due to factors like the complex geometry of the trabecular bone structure, non‐Newtonian rheology of the fluids, curing of bone‐cement, and unknown patient‐specific material properties. In this work, some of these challenges are addressed by using a multiphasic continuum approach and adapting the constitutive models accordingly. The resulting developed model provides a computationally feasible framework for simulating the spread of bone‐cement in the whole vertebra.
Partitioned simulation of the acoustic behavior of flexible marine propellers using finite and boundary elements
Authors: Radtke Lars , Lampe Tobias , Abdel-Maksoud Moustafa , Düster Alexander
Published: January 2021

In the last years, classification societies have announced several specifications regarding the limitation of the noise level of ships. Accordingly, the prediction of the acoustic signature of cavitating propellers, which are the main source for noise generation, has attracted a lot of interest. For an accurate numerical simulation of the underlying physics, the deformation of the propeller has to be taken into account, which results in a fluid‐structure interaction (FSI) problem.

In order to utilize different discretization methods for the individual sub‐problems, we apply a partitioned solution approach. This makes it possible to use a finite element solver for the structural problem, while a boundary element solver is used for the fluid problem. From the solution of the FSI problem, the acoustic pressure in the far field is obtained using the Ffowcs William‐Hawking equation.
Stochastic Modeling of a Lifted Methane/Air Jet Flame with Detailed Chemistry
Authors: Starick Tommy , Lignell David O. , Schmidt Heiko
Published: January 2021

This preliminary numerical study investigates a lifted methane/air jet flame in a vitiated coflow by means of the One‐Dimensional Turbulence (ODT) model. In the considered Cabra Burner configuration [Combust. Flame 143 491‐506 (2005)], a jet flame issues from a central nozzle into a vitiated coflow of hot combustion products from lean premixed hydrogen/air flames. ODT is a map‐based model for turbulent flow simulations which uses a stochastic formulation for the turbulent advection. The diffusion and reaction effects along the one‐dimensional domain are considered by temporally advancing deterministic evolution equations. ODT simulations are performed with a representation of the methane/air chemistry by a detailed 53‐species mechanism with 325 reactions. In this work, we present centerline profile of temperature and species concentrations obtained from ODT simulations using a cylindrical ODT‐formulation. Additionally, a two‐dimensional rendering of the temperature distribution is shown. Although the simulation of reactive jet configurations by means of ODT is not novel, the complex stabilization region depending on the flow conditions represents a challenge for the model. Considering the reduced order of the model, ODT is able to predict the flow characteristics and reasonably matches the existing experimental data.
Damping based on electromagnetic induction: A comparison of different minimal models
Authors: Rosenboom Mitja , Hetzler Hartmut
Published: January 2021

Damping of structural vibrations is a crucial part of modern engineering. Using electromagnetic interactions for this purpose is a modern and promising approach. To gain better understanding of phenomena involved in this technique investigations on minimal models of a B‐field modulation dampers are shown. Therefore two different setups are compared. One uses a permanent magnet as the source for the magnetic field, one uses a coil, respectively an electro‐magnet as the source. The contribution focuses on differences that occur, due to the different designs. Therefore the static behavior is analyzed as well as the system response on a harmonic force excitation.
Identification of Optimal Shape and Material Parameters using Biparabolic Target Functions
Authors: Nostitz Niklas , Hendrik Kröger Nils , Ihlemann Jörn , Wulf Hans
Published: January 2021

The identification of optimal shapes and material parameters are reoccuring problems in engineering. While both tasks are often done in separate steps, previous works [4] had shown that a simultaneous identification is possible. Here, an identification was performed on a cylinder consisting of two materials which were separated by a NURBS layer curve. Different target values are investigated. In order to optimize these target values, a biparabolic approach is used.
A finite element formulation for a simplified, relaxed micromorphic continuum model
Authors: Chejanovsky Adam , Münch Ingo , Neff Patrizio
Published: January 2021

We discuss a simplified problem derived from the relaxed micromorphic continuum model in two dimensions. The model captures important aspects of the micromorphic approach even as a degeneration of the bulk model. Typically, the employed mechanical strain combines the gradient of displacements with the microdistortion field. The interaction between both fields is ruled by the minimization of the overall free energy, where we employ the Curl of the microdistortion. The Curl significantly influences the resulting equations for the balance of linear and angular momentum. Further, we explain the necessity of an extended finite element method. Finite elements based on solely the H1‐Hilbert space are not sufficient for the efficient approximation of the Curl based microdistortion. Therefore, we suggest using a hybrid scheme employing both, H1 and H(Curl) based functions. The resulting hybrid element formulation is successfully tested for a problem with a predefined Dirichlet boundary condition.
Ensemble reachability of homogenous parameter‐depedent systems
Authors: Schönlein Michael
Published: January 2021

In this paper we consider the class (θA, B) of parameter‐dependent linear systems given by matrices A ∈ ℂn×n and B ∈ ℂn×m. This class is of interest for several applications and the frequently met task for such systems is to steer the origin toward a given target family f(θ) by using an input that is independent from the parameter. This paper provides a collection of necessary and sufficient conditions for ensemble reachability for these systems.
A novel unknown input interval observer for systems not satisfying relative degree condition
Authors: Wang Xianghua , Tan Chee Pin , Liu Lanjun , Qi Qingyuan
Published: January 2021

In this article, a novel unknown input interval observer (UIIO) is proposed for systems not satisfying the relative degree condition. In interval estimation, estimation errors are required not only positive but also convergent. For this purpose, some works combined unknown input observer with interval estimation, namely UIIO where by virtue of some transformations, some states are expressed as functions of outputs and other states which are decoupled from the unknown input. Nevertheless, complete decoupling can be guaranteed when the systems satisfy relative degree condition, which does not hold for some practical systems. Although some works have been done to relax the requirement on relative degree condition, they usually construct auxiliary outputs using high‐order differentiators which necessitates that the signals are smooth enough as well as that their derivatives are bounded, limiting the application of existing approaches and also increasing the computational cost. Motivated by the discussions above, a novel UIIO scheme combining the interval observation technique with adaptive sliding mode is proposed, without the relative degree condition and free from differentiating signals, hence the design process is simplified and the computational cost is decreased. Finally, simulations are conducted to verify the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
Insights into the Recent Synthetic Advances of Organoselenium Compounds
Authors: Makhal Priyanka N. , Nandi Arijit , Kaki Venkata Rao
Published: January 2021

The ever‐growing interest for organoselenium compounds amongst the chemists has made commendable impact in the field of medicinal chemistry, material chemistry, chemical biology and biochemistry. Researchers have progressively contributed in the development of organoselenium compounds over the years which has been periodically reviewed. On the similar note, this review attempts at providing an overview of the recent advances made in organoselenium chemistry while covering their catalytic indulgence in different transformational approaches, their role in asymmetric synthesis, and synthetic approaches steering their synthesis. These approaches encompass selenofunctionalization and/or cyclization, electrochemical selenylation, bromolactonization, [2,3]‐ or [1,2]‐sigmatropic rearrangement reactions among others. Herein, we have focused on the synthetic approaches developed for the past three years that have not been covered in previously reviewed scientific material. With the knowledge of the recent progress covered, this review could contribute towards future development of organoselenium compounds along with the improvement of the current status.
Nanomedicines for Endometriosis: Lessons Learned from Cancer Research
Authors: Moses Abraham S. , Demessie Ananiya A. , Taratula Olena , Korzun Tetiana , Slayden Ov D. , Taratula Oleh
Published: January 2021

Endometriosis is an incurable gynecological disease characterized by the abnormal growth of endometrium‐like tissue, characteristic of the uterine lining, outside of the uterine cavity. Millions of people with endometriosis suffer from pelvic pain and infertility. This review aims to discuss whether nanomedicines that are promising therapeutic approaches for various diseases have the potential to create a paradigm shift in endometriosis management. For the first time, the available reports and achievements in the field of endometriosis nanomedicine are critically evaluated, and a summary of how nanoparticle‐based systems can improve endometriosis treatment and diagnosis is provided. Parallels between cancer and endometriosis are also drawn to understand whether some fundamental principles of the well‐established cancer nanomedicine field can be adopted for the development of novel nanoparticle‐based strategies for endometriosis. This review provides the state of the art of endometriosis nanomedicine and perspective for researchers aiming to realize and exploit the full potential of nanoparticles for treatment and imaging of the disorder.
Nanoscopic Structural Fluctuations of Disassembling Microtubules Revealed by Label‐Free Super‐Resolution Microscopy
Authors: Vala Milan , Bujak Łukasz , García Marín Antonio , Holanová Kristýna , Henrichs Verena , Braun Marcus , Lánský Zdeněk , Piliarik Marek
Published: January 2021

Microtubules are cytoskeletal polymers of tubulin dimers assembled into protofilaments that constitute nanotubes undergoing periods of assembly and disassembly. Static electron micrographs suggest a structural transition of straight protofilaments into curved ones occurring at the tips of disassembling microtubules. However, these structural transitions have never been observed and the process of microtubule disassembly thus remains unclear. Here, label‐free optical microscopy capable of selective imaging of the transient structural changes of protofilaments at the tip of a disassembling microtubule is introduced. Upon induced disassembly, the transition of ordered protofilaments into a disordered conformation is resolved at the tip of the microtubule. Imaging the unbinding of individual tubulin oligomers from the microtubule tip reveals transient pauses and relapses in the disassembly, concurrent with increased organization of protofilament segments at the microtubule tip. These findings show that microtubule disassembly is a discrete process and suggest a stochastic mechanism of switching from the disassembly to the assembly phase.
Heteroatom‐Doping of Non‐Noble Metal‐Based Catalysts for Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution: An Electronic Structure Tuning Strategy
Authors: Wang Jing , Liao Ting , Wei Zhongzhe , Sun Junting , Guo Junjie , Sun Ziqi
Published: January 2021

Electrocatalytic water splitting for hydrogen production is an appealing way to reduce carbon emissions and generate renewable fuels. This promising process, however, is limited by its sluggish reaction kinetics and high‐cost catalysts. Construction of low‐cost and high‐performance non‐noble metal‐based catalysts have been one of the most effective approaches to address these grand challenges. Notably, the electronic structure tuning strategy, which could subtly tailor the electronic states, band structures, and adsorption ability of the catalysts, has become a pivotal way to further enhance the electrochemical water splitting reactions based on non‐noble metal‐based catalysts. Particularly, heteroatom‐doping plays an effective role in regulating the electronic structure and optimizing the intrinsic activity of the catalysts. Nevertheless, the reaction kinetics, and in particular, the functional mechanisms of the hetero‐dopants in catalysts yet remains ambiguous. Herein, the recent progress is comprehensively reviewed in heteroatom doped non‐noble metal‐based electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction, particularly focus on the electronic tuning effect of hetero‐dopants in the catalysts and the corresponding synthetic pathway, catalytic performance, and activity origin. This review also attempts to establish an intrinsic correlation between the localized electronic structures and the catalytic properties, so as to provide a good reference for developing advanced low‐cost catalysts.
Recent Advances in 2D Layered Phosphorous Compounds
Authors: Zhang Yue , Fan Taojian , Yang Sijie , Wang Fakun , Yang Sanjun , Wang Shuzhe , Su Jianwei , Zhao Mei , Hu Xiaozong , Zhang Han , Zhai Tianyou
Published: January 2021

2D layered phosphorous compounds (2D LPCs) have led to explosion of research interest in recent years. With the diversity of valence states of phosphorus, 2D LPCs exist in various material types and possess many novel physical and chemical properties. These properties, including widely adjustable range of bandgap, diverse electronic properties covering metal, semimetal, semiconductor and insulator, together with inherent magnetism and ferroelectricity at atomic level, render 2D LPCs greatly promising in the applications of electronics, spintronics, broad‐spectrum optoelectronics, high‐performance catalysts, and energy storage, etc. In this review, the recently research progress of 2D LPCs are presented in detail. First, the 2D LPCs are classified according to their elemental composition and the corresponding crystal structures are introduced, followed by their preparation methods. Then, the novel properties are summarized and the potential applications are discussed in detail. Finally, the conclusion and perspective of the promising 2D LPCs are discussed on the foundation of the latest research progress.
An Empirical Comparison of Preservation Methods for Synthetic DNA Data Storage
Authors: Organick Lee , Nguyen Bichlien H. , McAmis Rachel , Chen Weida D. , Kohll A. Xavier , Ang Siena Dumas , Grass Robert N. , Ceze Luis , Strauss Karin
Published: January 2021

Synthetic DNA has recently risen as a viable alternative for long‐term digital data storage. To ensure that information is safely recovered after storage, it is essential to appropriately preserve the physical DNA molecules encoding the data. While preservation of biological DNA has been studied previously, synthetic DNA differs in that it is typically much shorter in length, it has different sequence profiles with fewer, if any, repeats (or homopolymers), and it has different contaminants. In this paper, nine different methods used to preserve data files encoded in synthetic DNA are evaluated by accelerated aging of nearly 29 000 DNA sequences. In addition to a molecular count comparison, the DNA is also sequenced and analyzed after aging. These findings show that errors and erasures are stochastic and show no practical distribution difference between preservation methods. Finally, the physical density of these methods is compared and a stability versus density trade‐offs discussion provided.
Phylogenetic inferences reveal deep polyphyly of Aongstroemiaceae and Dicranellaceae within the haplolepideous mosses (Dicranidae, Bryophyta)
Authors: Bonfim Santos Marina , Fedosov Vladimir , Hartman Tobias , Fedorova Alina , Siebel Henk , Stech Michael
Published: January 2021

Haplolepideous moss systematics has been through major changes based on morpho‐molecular studies. However, many taxa remain little studied with still unclear circumscriptions and relationships among the traditionally recognized families. We inferred the phylogenetic relationships of the haplolepideous mosses based on a sample of 37 out of the 38 haplolepideous moss families and using mitochondrial (nad5 G1 intron) and chloroplast (trnS‐rps4 spacer/rps4 gene and trnL gene/trnL‐trnF spacer) markers. The resolved relationships indicate the need for rearrangements in the circumscription of the Aongstroemiaceae and Dicranellaceae and their genera, which correspond to the variation of morphological characters of leaf shape, rhizoid tuber morphology, and capsule and peristome traits. The two families, although historically considered morphologically close, were resolved as separate lineages in the core haplolepideous clade. The genera Aongstroemia and Dicranella were resolved as polyphyletic across the clades corresponding to the families Aongstroemiaceae and Dicranellaceae and other clades. The characterization of Aongstroemia by julaceous plants is not supported; the three species sampled here belong in three separate families and differ from one another in other (more stable) characters, such as the presence and shape of peristome teeth. Regarding Dicranella, the sampling of 13 of its 167 species suggests the broad morphological variation comprised by the genus under its current circumscription might be narrowed down to smaller ranges corresponding to the phylogenetically separate clades. The present molecular data furthermore suggest changes in the composition of the protohaplolepideous Dicranidae grade, including one Dicranella clade, a new lineage with a ditrichoid morphology, but excluding the Chrysoblastellaceae, which were resolved in the core haplolepideous clade. The latter finding implies the independent evolution of the rare double‐opposite peristome type in both the protohaplolepideous grade and the core haplolepideous clade.
Loss Minimization Control of Dual Three‐Phase Linear Induction Motor with System‐Level Loss Model
Authors: Zhou Yangwei , Zhao Jinghong , Liu Xiaohu
Published: January 2021

Traditional loss model of linear induction motors usually only considers iron loss and copper loss. However, the neglect of power electronic losses will reduce the accuracy of model calculations. Moreover, in multi‐phase motor drive systems, power electronics losses are relatively higher and cannot be omitted. Considering the above problems, loss models of six‐phase inverter under various PWM modulation methods were derived. And combined with an improved dynamic end effect loss model of dual three‐phase linear induction motor, a system‐level loss model is obtained. Furthermore, optimal excitation current can be calculated based on the model using Newton–Raphson method to minimize system loss. Simulation results showed that this strategy can always bring efficiency improvement under all working conditions, especially under certain light load working conditions (0.2 pu, 5 m/s), the loss reductions of both the inverter and the overall system can achieve by 50% approximately. © 2021 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
A zinc Schiff base complex as high‐efficiency stabilizer for flexible poly(vinyl chloride) against thermal degradation
Authors: Fu Zhimin , Yang Zhanhong , Rong Yao , Deng Lie , Wu Jian
Published: January 2021

A high‐efficiency zinc chelate stabilizer, Zn‐(2‐hydroxybenzylidene) aspartic acid (Zn‐HBAPA), has been synthesized. From dehydrochlorination and discoloration tests conducted at 180°C, Zn‐HBAPA has shown to be an excellent thermal stabilizer for flexible poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) when compared with industrially used cadmium‐zinc soap stabilizer. Blending CaSt2derivatives and costabilizer THAM (tris[hydroxymethyl]aminomethane) with synthesized Zn‐HBAPA stabilizer in different ratios substantially improved the thermal stability of PVC while maintaining the initial color of the PVC. The thermal stability time and the induction time were 55.5 and 52 min, respectively. The initial color of PVC samples held for more than 70 min, and the time to turn the PVC samples completely black took 160 min. Results also showed that not only did the Zn‐HBAPA stabilizer show a good synergistic effect when combined with CaSt2and THAM, but it also exhibited good compatibility with PVC.
Test
Authors: Marwedel Peter
Published: January 2021

Unfortunately, we cannot rely on designed and possibly already manufactured systems to operate as expected. These systems may have become defective during their use, or their function may have been compromised during the fabrication or their design. The purpose of testing is to verify whether or not an existing embedded/cyber-physical system can be operated as expected. In this chapter, we will present fundamental terms and techniques for testing. There will be a brief introduction to the aims of test pattern generation and their application. We will be introducing terms such as fault model, fault coverage, fault simulation, and fault injection. Also, we will be presenting techniques which improve testability, including the generation of pseudo-random patterns, and signature analysis. It would be beneficial to consider testability issues already during design. In case of fault-tolerant systems, resilience must be verified.
Updates to the Regional Seismic Travel Time (RSTT) Model: 2. Path-dependent Travel-time Uncertainty
Authors: Begnaud Michael L. , Anderson Dale N. , Myers Stephen C. , Young Brian , Hipp James R. , Phillips W. Scott
Published: January 2021

The regional seismic travel time (RSTT) model and software were developed to improve travel-time prediction accuracy by accounting for three-dimensional crust and upper mantle structure. Travel-time uncertainty estimates are used in the process of associating seismic phases to events and to accurately calculate location uncertainty bounds (i.e. event location error ellipses). We improve on the current distance-dependent uncertainty parameterization for RSTT using a random effects model to estimate slowness (inverse velocity) uncertainty as a mean squared error for each model parameter. The random effects model separates the error between observed slowness and model predicted slowness into bias and random components. The path-specific travel-time uncertainty is calculated by integrating these mean squared errors along a seismic-phase ray path. We demonstrate that event location error ellipses computed for a 90% coverage ellipse metric (used by the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization International Data Centre (IDC)), and using the path-specific travel-time uncertainty approach, are more representative (median 82.5% ellipse percentage) of true location error than error ellipses computed using distance-dependent travel-time uncertainties (median 70.1%). We also demonstrate measurable improvement in location uncertainties using the RSTT method compared to the current station correction approach used at the IDC (median 74.3% coverage ellipse).
Systematische und qualitätsgesicherte Früherkennung des sporadischen Mammakarzinoms
Authors: Heindel Walter , Bock Karin , Hecht Gerold , Heywang-Köbrunner Sylvia , Kääb-Sanyal Vanessa , Siegmann-Luz Katja , Weigel Stefanie
Published: January 2021

Hintergrund

Allen Frauen in Deutschland im Alter von 50 bis 69 Jahren wird seit 2009 flächendeckend ein qualitätsgesichertes Mammographie-Screening-Programm angeboten, das an die Europäischen Leitlinien angelehnt ist. Dieser Übersichtsartikel fasst den aktuellen Stand wissenschaftlicher Bewertungen dieses nationalen Brustkrebs-Früherkennungsprogramms zusammen und gibt einen Ausblick auf laufende Studien zur Effektivitätsprüfung und Weiterentwicklung.

Ergebnisse

Aufgrund der erreichten Diagnosevorverlagerung mit Abnahme fortgeschrittener Brustkrebserkrankungen nach wiederholter Screening-Teilnahme ist ein Rückgang der brustkrebsspezifischen Mortalität zu erwarten; das Ausmaß wird die laufende ZEBra-Studie zur Mortalitätsevaluation zeigen.

Schlussfolgerung

Auf vier Feldern zeichnet sich Potenzial zur weiteren Effektivitätssteigerung der Brustkrebs-Früherkennung ab: 1. Frauen sollten das Früherkennungsangebot der Krankenkassen häufiger wahrnehmen; bisher nimmt durchschnittlich nur etwa jede zweite anspruchsberechtigte Frau zwischen 50 und 69 Jahren am Screening-Programm teil. 2. Erweiterung der Anspruchsberechtigung über das 70. Lebensjahr hinaus. 3. Die Weiterentwicklung der digitalen Mammographie zur digitalen Brust-Tomosynthese verspricht die Zahl falsch-positiver Rückrufe zu reduzieren bei gleichzeitiger Sensitivitätssteigerung. 4. Für die wenigen Frauen in der anspruchsberechtigen Gruppe mit extrem dichter Brust sind erweiterte Screening-Strategien wissenschaftlich zu überprüfen.
Implementation framework for PLM: a case study in the fashion industry
Authors: Fani Virginia , Falchi Chiara , Bindi Bianca , Bandinelli Romeo
Published: January 2021

The implementation of a PLM is a great process of change, representing a critical phase due to the inertia that characterizes some organizations. This evidence especially occurs in industry new to PLM, such as the fashion one, where a lack of clear guidelines for implementation significantly increases the risk of failure of that process. In addition, an adequate project management approach that actively includes final users during the whole process will avoid the mismatch between outcomes and requirements. To support an efficient and effective introduction of PLM, it is then important to define a structured implementation method that involves all interested users from the early stages. A literature review has been conducted as preliminary step to investigate if bottom-up approaches to PLM implementation in fashion industry have already been studied. Based on the evidences from literature review, a framework was therefore defined, detailing the step-by-step procedure to follow for effectively implement a PLM considering the peculiarities of the fashion industry. To give evidence of the applicability of the proposed framework, it has been successfully used during the implementation process of a PLM software in a real context. The Italian company involved in the case study, Graziella, belongs to the gold-working district of Arezzo, in Tuscany, and has been working for more than 60 years in the gold jewellery sector.
Sim1-expressing cells illuminate the origin and course of migration of the nucleus of the lateral olfactory tract in the mouse amygdala
Authors: Garcia-Calero Elena , López-González Lara , Martínez-de-la-Torre Margaret , Fan Chen-Ming , Puelles Luis
Published: January 2021

We focus this report on the nucleus of the lateral olfactory tract (NLOT), a superficial amygdalar nucleus receiving olfactory input. Mixed with itsTbr1-expressing layer 2 pyramidal cell population (NLOT2), there areSim1-expressing cells whose embryonic origin and mode of arrival remain unclear. We examined this population withSim1-ISH and aSim1-tauLacZ mouse line. An alar hypothalamic origin is apparent at the paraventricular area, which expressesSim1precociously. This progenitor area shows at E10.5 aSim1-expressing dorsal prolongation that crosses the telencephalic stalk and follows the terminal sulcus, reaching the caudomedial end of the pallial amygdala. We conceive thisSim1-expressinghypothalamo-amygdalar corridor(HyA) as an evaginated part of the hypothalamic paraventricular area, which participates in the production ofSim1-expressing cells. From E13.5 onwards,Sim1-expressing cells migrated via the HyA penetrate theposteriorpallial amygdalar radial unit and associate therein to the incipientTbr1-expressing migration stream which swings medially past the amygdalar anterior basolateral nucleus (E15.5), crosses the pallio-subpallial boundary (E16.5), and forms the NLOT2 within the anterior amygdala by E17.5. We conclude that theTbr1-expressing NLOT2 cells arise strictly within theposteriorpallial amygdalar unit, involving a variety of required gene functions we discuss. Our results are consistent with the experimental data on NLOT2 origin reported by Remedios et al. (Nat Neurosci 10:1141–1150, 2007), but we disagree on their implication in this process of the dorsal pallium, observed to be distant from the amygdala.
On Structural Parameterizations of the Edge Disjoint Paths Problem
Authors: Ganian Robert , Ordyniak Sebastian , Ramanujan M. S.
Published: January 2021

In this paper we revisit the classical edge disjoint paths (EDP) problem, where one is given an undirected graph G and a set of terminal pairs P and asks whether G contains a set of pairwise edge-disjoint paths connecting every terminal pair in P. Our focus lies on structural parameterizations for the problem that allow for efficient (polynomial-time or FPT) algorithms. As our first result, we answer an open question stated in Fleszar et al. (Proceedings of the ESA, 2016), by showing that the problem can be solved in polynomial time if the input graph has a feedback vertex set of size one. We also show that EDP parameterized by the treewidth and the maximum degree of the input graph is fixed-parameter tractable. Having developed two novel algorithms for EDP using structural restrictions on the input graph, we then turn our attention towards the augmented graph, i.e., the graph obtained from the input graph after adding one edge between every terminal pair. In constrast to the input graph, where EDP is known to remain -hard even for treewidth two, a result by Zhou et al. (Algorithmica 26(1):3--30, 2000) shows that EDP can be solved in non-uniform polynomial time if the augmented graph has constant treewidth; we note that the possible improvement of this result to an FPT-algorithm has remained open since then. We show that this is highly unlikely by establishing the [1]-hardness of the problem parameterized by the treewidth (and even feedback vertex set) of the augmented graph. Finally, we develop an FPT-algorithm for EDP by exploiting a novel structural parameter of the augmented graph.
Heterogeneity in Farmers’ Social Preferences and the Design of Green Payment Schemes
Authors: Banerjee Prasenjit , Pal Rupayan , Wossink Ada , Asher James
Published: January 2021

We examine how social preferences affect the workings of voluntary green payment schemes and show that a regulator could use facilitation services along with a social reward to generate better ecological outcome at less cost by exploiting a farmer’s social preferences to gain a green social-image/reputation. To motivate our model, we first present the results of an incentivized elicitation survey in Scotland which shows that there is a social norm of biodiversity protection on private land among farmers. Moreover, the results of a discrete choice experiment reveal that farmers are willing to give up economic rents for more publicity of their conservation activities; this confirms the relevance of reputational gain in the context of green payment schemes. Our model assumes two types of farmers, green and brown, with a green farmer taking more biodiversity protection actions than a brown farmer. We design a menu of contracts that offers both monetary incentives and non-monetary incentives (a facilitation service with social reward) to induce both type of farmers to join the scheme and to exert first-best levels (i.e., symmetric information levels) of action. Results show that under asymmetric information the regulator can implement the symmetric information equilibrium levels of biodiversity protection actions with only non-monetary incentives for the green farmer and only monetary incentives for the brown farmer. This implies that a regulator can ensure better environmental outcomes, at a lower cost, by exploiting farmers’ social preferences and by offering non-monetary incentives.
Does Autism Affect Children’s Identification of Ownership and Defence of Ownership Rights?
Authors: Hartley Calum , Harrison Nina , Shaw John J.
Published: January 2021

This study investigated how autism spectrum disorder (ASD) impacts children’s ability to identify ownership from linguistic cues (proper nouns vs. possessive pronouns) and their awareness of ownership rights. In comparison to typically developing (TD) children matched on receptive language (M age equivalents: 53–56 months), children with ASD were less accurate at tracking owner-object relationships based on possessive pronouns and were less accurate at identifying the property of third parties. We also found that children with ASD were less likely to defend their own and others’ ownership rights. We hypothesise that these results may be attributed to differences in representing the self and propose that ASD may be characterised by reduced concern for ownership and associated concepts.
Polymeric approach to combat drug-resistant methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Kanth Shreya , Nagaraja Akshatha , Puttaiahgowda Yashoda Malgar
Published: January 2021

The current global death rate has threatened humans due to increase in deadly unknown infections caused by pathogenic microorganisms. On the contrary, the emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria is also increasing which is leading to elevated lethality rate worldwide. Development of drug-resistant bacteria has become one of the daunting global challenges due to failure in approaching to combat against them. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is one of those drug-resistant bacteria which has led to increase in global mortality rate causing various lethal infections. Polymer synthesis can be one of the significant approaches to combat MRSA by fabricating polymeric coatings to prevent the spread of infections. This review provides last decade information in the development of various polymers against MRSA.

Graphical abstract
Biological evaluation of the modified nano-amorphous phosphate calcium doped with citrate/poly-amino acid composite as a potential candidate for bone repair and reconstruction
Authors: Wang Xiaomei , Zhao Dechuan , Ren Haohao , Yan Yonggang , Li Shuyang
Published: January 2021

Large numbers of research works related to fabricating organic–inorganic composite materials have been carried out to mimic the natural structure of bone. In this study, a new modified n-ACP doped with citrate (n-ACP-cit)/poly (amino acids) (PAA) composite (n-ACP-cit/PAA) was synthesized by employing high bioactive n-ACP-cit and the biodegradable and biocompatible PAA copolymer. Its basic structure was characterized by X-ray diffraction spectroscopy, Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Moreover, the degradability, bioactivity, biocompatibility, and osteoconductivity of n-ACP-cit/PAA composite were evaluated in vitro and in vivo, using simulated body fluid (SBF) solution soaking test, mouse bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells proliferation and differentiation, morphological observation test, expression of genes associated with osteogenesis, and bone defect model repair test, respectively. The modified n-ACP-cit/PAA composite exhibited a much higher weight loss rate (36.01 wt.%) than that of PAA (23.99 wt.%) after immersing in SBF solution for 16 weeks and the pH values of local environment restored to neutral condition. Moreover, cells co-culturing with composites exhibited higher alkaline phosphatase activity, more calcium nodule-formation, and higher expression levels of osteogenic differentiation-related genes (Bmp-2, Colla I, OCN, OPN, and Runx-2) than that of PAA. Furthermore, the bone defect model repair test revealed that the composite could be intimately incorporated with the surrounding bone without causing any deleterious reaction and capable of guiding new bone formation. Together, these results indicated that the new modified bone repair n-ACP-cit/PAA composite material with specific characteristics may be designed for meeting diverse requirements from biomedical applications.
On the Prediction of Solar Cycles
Authors: Courtillot V. , Lopes F. , Le Mouël J. L.
Published: January 2021

This article deals with the prediction of the upcoming solar activity cycle, Solar Cycle 25. We propose that astronomical ephemeris, specifically taken from the catalogs of aphelia of the four Jovian planets, could be drivers of variations in solar activity, represented by the series of sunspot numbers (SSN) from 1749 to 2020. We use singular spectrum analysis (SSA) to associate components with similar periods in the ephemeris and SSN. We determine the transfer function between the two data sets. We improve the match in successive steps: first with Jupiter only, then with the four Jovian planets and finally including commensurable periods of pairs and pairs of pairs of the Jovian planets (following Mörth and Schlamminger in Planetary Motion, Sunspots and Climate, Solar-Terrestrial Influences on Weather and Climate, 193, 1979). The transfer function can be applied to the ephemeris to predict future cycles. We test this with success using the “hindcast prediction” of Solar Cycles 21 to 24, using only data preceding these cycles, and by analyzing separately two 130 and 140 year-long halves of the original series. We conclude with a prediction of Solar Cycle 25 that can be compared to a dozen predictions by other authors: the maximum would occur in 2026.2 (± 1 yr) and reach an amplitude of 97.6 (± 7.8), similar to that of Solar Cycle 24, therefore sketching a new “Modern minimum”, following the Dalton and Gleissberg minima.
Distribution of environmental performance in life cycle assessments—implications for environmental benchmarking
Authors: Welling Sebastian , Ryding Sven-Olof
Published: January 2021

Purpose

Life cycle assessment (LCA) is considered a robust method to analyse the environmental impacts of products and is used in public and private market applications such as Green Public Procurement (GPP) and Environmental Management Systems (EMS). Despite the usefulness of the methodology, difficulties exist with the interpretation of LCA results. The use of benchmarks can facilitate this process, but there is yet little research on the definition of environmental benchmarks. The aim of this paper is to analyse the distribution of environmental performance used for the definition of the benchmark and how it effects the use in selected product categories.

Method

LCA results from 54 Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for insulation materials and 49 EPDs for bakery products are tested for their distribution. The outcome from the statistical analysis is used to compare and evaluate three calculation methods for a benchmark.

Results and discussion

The results of the study show that distributions and mid- and end-points of environmental performances of the studied indicators differ significantly for the two product categories. While some indicators for bakery products were closer to a normal distribution, most of the indicators are not normally distributed. This is reflected in the comparison of the chosen calculation methods for a benchmark, which showed that the distribution of the data affects the classification of the benchmark as well as the position of values on the benchmark.

Conclusion

The results emphasise that analysis of further product groups and the associated distribution of the environmental performance is needed to understand the implications of calculation methods on a benchmark. The availability of comparatively large datasets in a common structure is crucial for these analyses and can be facilitated through the digitalisation of LCA- and EPD-information. Furthermore, more research is needed on the communication formats for different benchmarking options, which must be applied for the different intended audiences to be effective.
Intracorporeal anastomosis in right hemicolectomy for colon cancer: short-term outcomes with the DaVinci Xi robot
Authors: Rattenborg Søren , Bundgaard Lars , Andersen Jesper , Lindebjerg Jan , Kuhn Jacob , Jakobsen Conny J. , Rahr Hans B.
Published: January 2021

Intracorporeal anastomosis (IA) may improve outcomes compared with extracorporeal anastomosis (EA) in minimally invasive right colectomy. This is a prospective series of robotic right hemicolectomies (RRC) with IA from one institution. 35 consecutive patients with verified or suspected right colon cancer undergoing RRC with IA, and historic control groups of 22 RRC and 40 laparoscopic right colectomies (LRC), both with EA. Primary outcome measure was length of stay (LOS). Secondary outcome measures were 30-day complication rates, readmissions, pain scores, analgesic consumption, and specimen quality. Median LOS did not differ significantly between the groups (RRC-IA, 4 days; LRC-EA, 4 days; RRC-EA, 5 days). In-hospital surgical complications Clavien–Dindo 3 + were seen in 1, 2, and 0 patients, respectively, and 3, 5, and 3 patients were readmitted to hospital within 30 days. Median pain score was 2 in all groups on postoperative day (POD) 2. Relatively more patients in the RRC-IA group received gabapentin on POD 2 (p = 0.006), but use of other analgetics did not differ between groups. Mean specimen lengths were 31, 25 and 27 cm, respectively (RRC-IA vs. LRC-EA, p = 0.003), but mesentery width, proportion of mesocolic excisions and number of lymph nodes did not differ between the groups. RRC-IA was not associated with shorter LOS, fewer complications or better specimen quality than recent controls undergoing either RRC-EA or LRC-EA.
Students’ suspension of sense making in problem solving
Authors: Carotenuto Gemma , Di Martino Pietro , Lemmi Marta
Published: January 2021

Research on mathematical problem solving has a long tradition: retracing its fascinating story sheds light on its intricacies and, therefore, on its needs. When we analyze this impressive literature, a critical issue emerges clearly, namely, the presence of words and expressions having many and sometimes opposite meanings. Significant examples are the terms ‘realistic’ and ‘modeling’ associated with word problems in school. Understanding how these terms are used is important in research, because this issue relates to the design of several studies and to the interpretation of a large number of phenomena, such as the well-known phenomenon of students’ suspension of sense making when they solve mathematical problems. In order to deepen our understanding of this phenomenon, we describe a large empirical and qualitative study focused on the effects of variations in the presentation (text, picture, format) of word problems on students’ approaches to these problems. The results of our study show that the phenomenon of suspension of sense making is more precisely a phenomenon of activation of alternative kinds of sense making: the different kinds of active sense making appear to be strongly affected by the presentation of the word problem.
Cardiomyocyte Death and Genome-Edited Stem Cell Therapy for Ischemic Heart Disease
Authors: Cho Hyun-Min , Cho Je-Yoel
Published: January 2021

Massive death of cardiomyocytes is a major feature of cardiovascular diseases. Since the regenerative capacity of cardiomyocytes is limited, the regulation of their death has been receiving great attention. The cell death of cardiomyocytes is a complex mechanism that has not yet been clarified, and it is known to appear in various forms such as apoptosis, necrosis, etc. In ischemic heart disease, the apoptosis and necrosis of cardiomyocytes appear in two types of programmed forms (intrinsic and extrinsic pathways) and they account for a large portion of cell death. To repair damaged cardiomyocytes, diverse stem cell therapies have been attempted. However, despite the many positive effects, the low engraftment and survival rates have clearly limited the application of stem cells in clinical therapy. To solve these challenges, the introduction of the desired genes in stem cells can be used to enhance their capacity and improve their therapeutic efficiency. Moreover, as genome engineering technologies have advanced significantly, safer and more stable delivery of target genes and more accurate deletion of genes have become possible, which facilitates the genetic modification of stem cells. Accordingly, stem cell therapy for damaged cardiac tissue is expected to further improve. This review describes myocardial cell death, stem cell therapy for cardiac repair, and genome-editing technologies. In addition, we introduce recent stem cell therapies that incorporate genome-editing technologies in the myocardial infarction model.