bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Addendum to: Measurement of Γee(J/ψ) with KEDR detector
Authors: Anashin V. V. , Aulchenko V. M. , Baldin E. M. , Barladyan A. K. , Barnyakov A. Y. , Barnyakov M. Y. , Baru S. E. , Bedny I. V. , Blinov A. E. , Blinov V. E. , Bobrov A. V. , Bobrovnikov V. S. , Bogomyagkov A. V. , Bondar A. E. , Bondarev D. V. , Buzykaev A. R. , Eidelman S. I. , Glukhovchenko Y. M. , Gulevich V. V. , Gusev D. V. , Karnaev S. E. , Karpov G. V. , Karpov S. V. , Kharlamova T. A. , Kiselev V. A. , Kononov S. A. , Kotov K. Y. , Kravchenko E. A. , Kulikov V. F. , Kurkin G. Y. , Kuper E. A. , Levichev E. B. , Maksimov D. A. , Malyshev V. M. , Maslennikov A. L. , Medvedko A. S. , Meshkov O. I. , Mishnev S. I. , Morozov I. I. , Muchnoi N. Y. , Neufeld V. V. , Nikitin S. A. , Nikolaev I. B. , Okunev I. N. , Onuchin A. P. , Oreshkin S. B. , Orlov I. O. , Osipov A. A. , Peleganchuk S. V. , Pivovarov S. G. , Piminov P. A. , Petrov V. V. , Poluektov A. O. , Popkov I. N. , Prisekin V. G. , Rezanova O. L. , Ruban A. A. , Sandyrev V. K. , Savinov G. A. , Shamov A. G. , Shatilov D. N. , Shwartz B. A. , Simonov E. A. , Sinyatkin S. V. , Skovpen Y. I. , Skrinsky A. N. , Smaluk V. V. , Sokolov A. V. , Sukharev A. M. , Starostina E. V. , Talyshev A. A. , Tayursky V. A. , Telnov V. I. , Tikhonov Y. A. , Todyshev K. Y. , Tumaikin G. M. , Usov Y. V. , Vorobiov A. I. , Yushkov A. N. , Zhilich V. N. , Zhulanov V. V. , Zhuravlev A. N.
Published: July 2020

The electronic width of the J/ψ meson and its product by the branching fractions of J/ψ meson decay to hadrons and electrons measured with the KEDR detector at the VEPP-4M e+e− collider have been reported in ref. [1].
Two-point functions at arbitrary genus and its resurgence structure in a matrix model for 2D type IIA superstrings
Authors: Kuroki Tsunehide
Published: July 2020

Abstract

In the previous papers, it is pointed out that a supersymmetric double-well matrix model corresponds to a two-dimensional type IIA superstring theory on a Ramond-Ramond background at the level of correlation functions. This was confirmed by agreement between their planar correlation functions. The supersymmetry in the matrix model corresponds to the target space supersymmetry and it is shown to be spontaneously broken by nonperturbative effect. Furthermore, in the matrix model we computed one-point functions of single-trace operators to all order of genus expansion in its double scaling limit. We found that this expansion is stringy and not Borel summable and hence there arises an ambiguity in applying the Borel resummation technique. We confirmed that resurgence works here, namely this ambiguity in perturbative series in a zero-instanton sector is exactly canceled by another ambiguity in a one-instanton sector obtained by instanton calculation. In this paper we extend this analysis and study resurgence structure of the two-point functions of the single trace operators. By using results in the random matrix theory, we derive two-point functions at arbitrary genus and see that the perturbative series in the zero-instanton sector again has an ambiguity. We find that the two-point functions inevitably have logarithmic singularity even at higher genus. In this derivation we obtain a new result of the two-point function expressed by the one-point function at the leading order in the soft-edge scaling limit of the random matrix theory. We also compute an ambiguity in the one-instanton sector by using the Airy kernel, and confirm that ambiguities in both sectors cancel each other at the leading order in the double scaling limit. We thus clarify resurgence structure of the two-point functions in the supersymmetric double-well matrix model.
Curing Velocity Superselection in Non-relativistic QED by Restriction to a Lightcone
Authors: Cadamuro Daniela , Dybalski Wojciech
Published: July 2020

It is physically expected that plane-wave configurations of the electron in QED induce disjoint representations of the algebra of the electromagnetic fields. This phenomenon of velocity superselection, which is one aspect of the infrared problem, is mathematically well established in non-relativistic (Pauli–Fierz type) models of QED. We show that velocity superselection can be resolved in such models by restricting the electron states to the subalgebra of the fields localized in the future lightcone. This actually follows from a more general statement about equivalence of GNS representations for coherent states of the algebra of the future lightcone in free electromagnetism. Our analysis turns out to be meaningful in the non-relativistic setting and provides evidence in favour of the Buchholz–Roberts approach to infrared problems.
Phenotypic characterisation and linkage mapping of domestication syndrome traits in yellow lupin (Lupinus luteus L.)
Authors: Iqbal Muhammad Munir , Erskine William , Berger Jens D. , Nelson Matthew N.
Published: July 2020

The transformation of wild plants into domesticated crops usually modifies a common set of characters referred to as ‘domestication syndrome’ traits such as the loss of pod shattering/seed dehiscence, loss of seed dormancy, reduced anti-nutritional compounds and changes in growth habit, phenology, flower and seed colour. Understanding the genetic control of domestication syndrome traits facilitates the efficient transfer of useful traits from wild progenitors into crops through crossing and selection. Domesticated forms of yellow lupin (Lupinus luteus L.) possess many domestication syndrome traits, while their genetic control remains a mystery. This study aimed to reveal the genetic control of yellow lupin domestication traits. This involved phenotypic characterisation of those traits, defining the genomic regions controlling domestication traits on a linkage map and performing a comparative genomic analysis of yellow lupin with its better-understood relatives, narrow-leafed lupin (L. angustifolius L.) and white lupin (L. albus L.). We phenotyped an F9 recombinant inbred line (RIL) population of a wide cross between Wodjil (domesticated) × P28213 (wild). Vernalisation responsiveness, alkaloid content, flower and seed colour in yellow lupin were each found to be controlled by single loci on linkage groups YL-21, YL-06, YL-03 and YL-38, respectively. Aligning the genomes of yellow with narrow-leafed lupin and white lupin revealed well-conserved synteny between these sister species (76% and 71%, respectively). This genomic comparison revealed that one of the key domestication traits, vernalisation-responsive flowering, mapped to a region of conserved synteny with the vernalisation-responsive flowering time Ku locus of narrow-leafed lupin, which has previously been shown to be controlled by an FT homologue. In contrast, the loci controlling alkaloid content were each found at non-syntenic regions among the three species. This provides a first glimpse into the molecular control of flowering time in yellow lupin and demonstrates both the power and the limitation of synteny as a tool for gene discovery in lupins.
Innovation, institutional ownership and financial constraints
Authors: Schain Jan Philip , Stiebale Joel
Published: July 2020

We analyze the relationship between institutional investors, innovation and financing constraints. Using the same dataset as Aghion et al. (Am Econ Rev 103(1):277–304, 2013), we find that the effect of institutional ownership on innovation is concentrated in industries with high dependence on external finance and among firms which are a priori likely to be financially constrained. The complementarity between institutional ownership and competition, predicted by the original paper’s theory where institutional investors increase innovation through reducing career risks, disappears once this heterogeneity is taken into account. We also provide evidence that the sensitivity of R&D investment to internal funds decreases with institutional ownership.
The role of demand in fostering product vs process innovation: a model and an empirical test
Authors: Dawid Herbert , Pellegrino Gabriele , Vivarelli Marco
Published: July 2020

While the extant innovation literature has provided extensive evidence of the so-called “demand-pull” effect, the possible diverse impact of demand evolution on product vs process innovation activities has not been yet investigated. This paper develops a formal model predicting a larger inducing impact of past sales in fostering product rather than process innovation. This prediction is then tested through a dynamic microeconometric model, controlling for R&D persistence, sample selection, observed and unobservable individual firm effects and time and sectoral peculiarities. Results are consistent with the model and suggest that an expansionary economic policy may benefit the diffusion of new products or even the emergence of entire new sectors.
Characterization of the genes responsible for rubber degradation in Actinoplanes sp. strain OR16
Authors: Gibu Namiko , Arata Tomoka , Kuboki Saya , Linh Dao Viet , Fukuda Masao , Steinbüchel Alexander , Kasai Daisuke
Published: July 2020

A Gram-positive rubber-degrading bacterium, Actinoplanes sp. strain OR16 (strain NBRC 114529), is able to grow on agar plates containing natural and synthetic rubber as the sole sources of carbon and energy. When this strain was grown on natural rubber latex overlay agar plates, translucent halos around the cells were observed. To identify the natural rubber degradation genes and other features of its metabolism, its complete genome sequence was determined. The genome of OR16 consists of 9,293,892 bp and comprises one circular chromosome (GenBank accession number AP019371.1) with a G + C content of 70.3%. The genome contains 8238 protein-coding and 18 rRNA genes. A homology search of the genome sequence revealed that three genes (lcp1, lcp2, and lcp3) are homologous to an extracellular latex-clearing protein (Lcp) of Streptomyces sp. K30. RT-PCR analysis revealed that lcp1 and lcp2 seem to constitute an operon. Purified lcp gene products have oxygen consumption activity toward natural rubber latex, suggesting that all these genes encode rubber-degrading enzymes in OR16. Quantitative reverse transcription-PCR analysis indicated that the transcription of these genes is induced during the growth of OR16 on natural rubber. The genes located adjacent to lcp1 and lcp3, which code for a TetR/AcrR-type transcriptional regulator, can bind to the promoter regions of these lcp genes. It is suggested that the putative regulators play a role in regulating the transcription of the lcp genes. These results strongly suggested that three lcp genes are required for the utilization of natural rubber in strain OR16.

Key Points• The complete genome sequence of Actinoplanes sp. strain OR16 was determined.• Three lcp genes which are involved in the natural rubber degradation in OR16 were identified.• Transcription of these lcp genes is induced during utilization of rubber in OR16.• Two regulators, which bind to the promoter regions of lcp, were determined.
Clinical impact of follicular oncocytic (Hürthle cell) carcinoma in comparison with corresponding classical follicular thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Wenter Vera , Albert Nathalie L. , Unterrainer Marcus , Ahmaddy Freba , Ilhan Harun , Jellinek Annamirl , Knösel Thomas , Bartenstein Peter , Spitzweg Christine , Lehner Sebastian , Todica Andrei
Published: July 2020

Purpose

There are controversial debates if patients with Hürthle cell carcinoma, also known as oxyphilic or oncocytic cell follicular thyroid carcinoma, have a poorer outcome. In this study, we systematically evaluated the clinical outcome in a large patient cohort following thyroidectomy and initial I-131 radioactive iodine therapy (RIT).

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated a total of 378 patients with diagnosed oncocytic follicular Hürthle cell carcinoma (OFTC) (N = 126) or with classical follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) (N = 252). Patients received thyroidectomy and complementary I-131 RIT. Clinical data regarding basic demographic characteristics, tumor grade, persistent disease and recurrence during follow-up, and disease-free, disease-specific, and overall survival were collected during follow-up of 6.9 years (interquartile range 3.7; 11.7 years). Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify factors associated with disease-related and overall survival.

Results

Before and after matching for risk factors, recurrence was significantly more frequently diagnosed in OFTC patients during follow-up (17% vs. 8%; p value 0.037). Likewise, OFTC patients presented with a reduced mean disease-free survival of 17.9 years (95% CI 16.0–19.8) vs. 20.1 years (95% CI 19.0–21.1) in FTC patients (p value 0.027). Multivariate analysis revealed OFTC (HR 0.502; 95% CI 0.309–0.816) as the only independent prognostic factor for disease-free survival. Distant metastases of OFTC patients were significantly less iodine-avid (p value 0.014). Mean disease-specific and overall survival did not differ significantly (p value 0.671 and 0.687) during follow-up of median 6.9 years (3.7; 11.7 years).

Conclusions

Our study suggests that recurrence is more often seen in OFTC patients. OFTC patients have a poorer prognosis for disease-free survival. Thus, OFTC and FTC behave differently and should be categorized separately. However, patients suffering from OFTC present with the same overall and disease-specific survival at the end of follow-up indifferent to FTC patients after initial RIT.
Myocardial creep-induced misalignment artifacts in PET/MR myocardial perfusion imaging
Authors: von Felten Elia , Benetos Georgios , Patriki Dimitri , Benz Dominik C. , Rampidis Georgios P. , Giannopoulos Andreas A. , Bakula Adam , Gräni Christoph , Pazhenkottil Aju P. , Gebhard Catherine , Fuchs Tobias A. , Kaufmann Philipp A. , Buechel Ronny R.
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Misalignment between positron emission tomography (PET) datasets and attenuation correction (AC) maps is a potential source of artifacts in myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI). We assessed the impact of adenosine on the alignment of AC maps derived from magnetic resonance (MR) and PET datasets during MPI on a hybrid PET/MR scanner.

Methods

Twenty-eight volunteers underwent adenosine stress and rest 13N-ammonia MPI on a PET/MR. We acquired Dixon sequences for the creation of MRAC maps. After reconstruction of the original non-shifted PET images, we examined MRAC and PET datasets for cardiac spatial misalignment and, if necessary, reconstructed a second set of shifted PET images after manually adjusting co-registration. Summed rest, stress, and difference scores (SRS, SSS, and SDS) were compared between shifted and non-shifted PET images. Additionally, we measured the amount of cranial movement of the heart (i.e., myocardial creep) after termination of adenosine infusion.

Results

Realignment was necessary for 25 (89.3%) stress and 12 (42.9%) rest PET datasets. Median SRS, SSS, and SDS of the non-shifted images were 6 (IQR = 4–7), 12 (IQR = 7–18), and 8 (IQR = 2–11), respectively, and of the shifted images 2 (IQR = 1–6), 4 (IQR = 7–18), and 1 (IQR = 0–2), respectively. All three scores were significantly higher in non-shifted versus shifted images (all p < 0.05). The difference in SDS correlated moderately but significantly with the amount of myocardial creep (r = 0.541, p = 0.005).

Conclusion

Misalignment of MRAC and PET datasets commonly occurs during adenosine stress MPI on a hybrid PET/MR device, potentially leading to an increase in false-positive findings. Our results suggest that myocardial creep may substantially account for this and prompt for a careful review and correction of PET/MRAC data.
Feed-forward neural networks using cerebral MR spectroscopy and DTI might predict neurodevelopmental outcome in preterm neonates
Authors: Janjic T. , Pereverzyev S. , Hammerl M. , Neubauer V. , Lerchner H. , Wallner V. , Steiger R. , Kiechl-Kohlendorfer U. , Zimmermann M. , Buchheim A. , Grams A. E. , Gizewski E. R.
Published: July 2020

Objectives

We aimed to evaluate the ability of feed-forward neural networks (fNNs) to predict the neurodevelopmental outcome (NDO) of very preterm neonates (VPIs) at 12 months corrected age by using biomarkers of cerebral MR proton spectroscopy (1H-MRS) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) at term-equivalent age (TEA).

Methods

In this prospective study, 300 VPIs born before 32 gestational weeks received an MRI scan at TEA between September 2013 and December 2017. Due to missing or poor-quality spectroscopy data and missing neurodevelopmental tests, 173 VPIs were excluded. Data sets consisting of 103 and 115 VPIs were considered for prediction of motor and cognitive developmental delay, respectively. Five metabolite ratios and two DTI characteristics in six different areas of the brain were evaluated. A feature selection algorithm was developed for receiving a subset of characteristics prevalent for the VPIs with a developmental delay. Finally, the predictors were constructed employing multiple fNNs and fourfold cross-validation.

Results

By employing the constructed fNN predictors, we were able to predict cognitive delays of VPIs with 85.7% sensitivity, 100% specificity, 100% positive predictive value (PPV) and 99.1% negative predictive value (NPV). For the prediction of motor delay, we achieved a sensitivity of 76.9%, a specificity of 98.9%, a PPV of 90.9% and an NPV of 96.7%.

Conclusion

FNNs might be able to predict motor and cognitive development of VPIs at 12 months corrected age when employing biomarkers of cerebral1H-MRS and DTI quantified at TEA.

Key Points

• A feed-forward neuronal network is a promising tool for outcome prediction in premature infants.

• Cerebral proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy and diffusion tensor imaging can be used for the construction of early prognostic biomarkers.

• Premature infants that would most benefit from early intervention services can be spotted at the time of optimal neuroplasticity.
Circulating preoperative testosterone level predicts unfavourable disease at radical prostatectomy in men with International Society of Urological Pathology Grade Group 1 prostate cancer diagnosed with systematic biopsies
Authors: Ferro Matteo , Lucarelli Giuseppe , de Cobelli Ottavio , Vartolomei Mihai Dorin , Damiano Rocco , Cantiello Francesco , Crocerossa Fabio , Perdonà Sisto , Del Prete Paola , Cordima Giovanni , Musi Gennaro , Del Giudice Francesco , Busetto Gian Maria , Chung Benjamin I. , Porreca Angelo , Ditonno Pasquale , Battaglia Michele , Terracciano Daniela
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The association between circulating total testosterone (T) levels and clinically significant PCa is still a matter of debate. In this study, we evaluated whether serum testosterone levels may have a role in predicting unfavorable disease (UD) and biochemical recurrence (BCR) in patients with clinically localized (≤ cT2c) ISUP grade group 1 PCa at biopsy.

Methods

408 patients with ISUP grade group 1 prostate cancer, undergone to radical prostatectomy and T measurement were included. The outcome of interest was the presence of unfavourable disease (UD) defined as ISUP grade group $$\ge$$
≥
3 and/or pT $$\ge$$
≥
3a.

Results

Statistically significant differences resulted between serum testosterone values and ISUP grade groups (P < 0.0001). Significant correlation was found analyzing testosterone values versus age (P < 0.0001), and versus PSA (P = 0.008). BCR-free survival was significantly decreased in patients with low levels of testosterone (P = 0.005). These findings were confirmed also in the ISUP 1–2 subgroups (P = 0.01). ROC curve analysis showed that T outperformed PSA in predicting UD (AUC 0.718 vs AUC 0.525; P < 0.001) and was and independent risk factor for BCR.

Conclusion

Our findings suggested that circulating total T was a significant predictor of UD at RP in patients with preoperative low- to intermediate-risk diseases, confirming the potential role of circulating androgens in preoperative risk assessment of PCa patients.
FIO-ESM v2.0 Outputs for the CMIP6 Global Monsoons Model Intercomparison Project Experiments
Authors: Song Yajuan , Li Xinfang , Bao Ying , Song Zhenya , Wei Meng , Shu Qi , Yang Xiaodan
Published: July 2020

Three tiers of experiments in the Global Monsoons Model Intercomparison Project (GMMIP), one of the endorsed model intercomparison projects of phase 6 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP6), are implemented by the First Institute of Oceanography Earth System Model version 2 (FIO-ESM v2.0), following the GMMIP protocols. Evaluation of global mean surface air temperature from 1870 to 2014 and climatological precipitation (1979–2014) in tier-1 shows that the atmosphere model of FIO-ESM v2.0 can reproduce the basic observed atmospheric features. In tier-2, the internal variability is captured by the coupled model, with the SST restoring to the model climatology plus the observed anomalies in the tropical Pacific and North Atlantic. Simulation of the Northern Hemisphere summer monsoon circulation is significantly improved by the SST restoration in the North Atlantic. In tier-3, five orographic perturbation experiments are conducted covering the period 1979–2014 by modifying the surface elevation or vertical heating in the prescribed region. In particular, the strength of the South Asian summer monsoon is reduced by removing the topography or thermal forcing above 500 m over the Asian continent. Monthly and daily simulated outputs of FIO-ESM v2.0 are provided through the Earth System Grid Federation (ESGF) node to contribute to a better understanding of the global monsoon system.
Sentinel lymph node biopsy in vulvar cancer: status, level of knowledge, and counseling in outpatient setting
Authors: Röttger Marlene , Hertel Hermann , Kaukemüller Laura , Brodowski Lars , Flentje Markus , Hillemanns Peter , Klapdor Rüdiger
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Evaluating the counseling of patients with vulvar cancer in outpatient setting regarding the application of sentinel lymph node dissection (SLND), the selection of hospitals for further treatment, and level of knowledge.

Methods

A questionnaire containing 29 questions about SLND in vulvar cancer was sent to gynecologists in Lower Saxony. The questionnaire contained multiple choice questions and open questions. The study was approved by the local ethics committee.

Results

The median age of the 86 respondents was 54 (26–66) years. Most participants (83.1%) reported to only treat one to five patients with vulvar cancer per year. Interestingly, 70.5% of the gynecologists send their patients to university hospitals and 64.1% to hospitals offering maximum care, respectively. Of all, 32.7% replied that SLND was performed rarely or never in their patients. The gynecologists answered that only 36.7% of the patients are well informed about advantages and possible disadvantages of SLND. Most (84%) felt responsible to counsel patients on treatment decisions independently from or additionally to the hospital. Of all, 72% replied that they are not completely sure about the exact recurrence rates after SLND. Of notice, 66% believe that SLND for vulvar cancer is safe if applied in specialized centers and 92% stated that focusing treatment on specialized centers is required for best results.

Conclusion

SLND for vulvar cancer is widely accepted and regularly recommended among gynecologists. Outpatient doctors report to send most patients to specialized centers. However, it appears that patients remain uninformed after counseling in the clinics and that there is a lack of detailed knowledge about risks and complication rates of groin treatment in the outpatient setting.
Do we really need the “detriment” for radiation protection?
Authors: Breckow Joachim
Published: July 2020

The purpose of the ICRP detriment concept is to enable a quantitative comparison of stochastic radiation damage for the various organs. For this purpose, the organ-specific nominal risk coefficients are weighted with a function that is intended to express the amount of damage or, respectively, the severity of a disease. This function incorporates a variety of variables that do not depend on radiation parameters, but on characteristics of the disease itself. The question is raised as to whether the rather subtle way of defining the amount of damage is necessary for radiation protection purposes and whether a much simpler relationship can serve for this purpose as well or even better.
Elotuzumab, pomalidomide, and dexamethasone is a very well tolerated regimen associated with durable remission even in very advanced myeloma: a retrospective study from two academic centers
Authors: Hose Dorothea , Schreder Martin , Hefner Jochen , Bittrich Max , Danhof Sophia , Strifler Susanne , Krauth Maria-Theresa , Schoder Renate , Gisslinger Bettina , Einsele Hermann , Gisslinger Heinz , Knop Stefan
Published: July 2020

Background

The anti-SLAMF7 monoclonal antibody, elotuzumab (elo), plus lenalidomide (len) and dexamethasone (dex) is approved for relapsed/refractory MM in the U.S. and Europe. Recently, a small phase 2 study demonstrated an advantage in progression-free survival (PFS) for elo plus pomalidomide (pom)/dex compared to pom/dex alone and resulted in licensing of this novel triplet combination, but clinical experience is still limited.

Purpose

To analyze the efficacy and safety of elo/pom/dex in a “real world” cohort of patients with advanced MM, we queried the databases of the university hospitals of Würzburg and Vienna.

Findings

We identified 22 patients with a median number of five prior lines of therapy who received elo/pom/dex prior to licensing within an early access program. Patients received a median number of 5 four-week treatment cycles. Median PFS was 6.4 months with 12-month and 18-month PFS rates of 35% and 28%, respectively. The overall response rate was 50% and 64% of responding patients who achieved a longer PFS with elo/pom/dex compared to their most recent line of therapy. Objective responses were also seen in five patients who had been pretreated with pomalidomide. Low tumor burden was associated with improved PFS (13.5 months for patients with ISS stage I/II at study entry v 6.4 months for ISS III), although this difference did not reach statistical significance. No infusion-related reactions were reported. The most frequent grade 3/4 adverse events were neutropenia and pneumonia.

Conclusion

Elo/pom/dex is an active and well-tolerated regimen in highly advanced MM even after pretreatment with pomalidomide.
Biogas production management systems with model predictive control of anaerobic digestion processes
Authors: Yoshida Kazuto , Shimizu Naoto
Published: July 2020

We developed a biogas production management system to control biogas production by determining the feedstock inputs to the anaerobic digestion process according to fluctuations of the renewable energy supply. The developed system consists of three functions: a prediction model for the anaerobic digestion processes, a parameter-estimation system, and a feedstock-determination controller. A prediction model for the anaerobic digestion processes in a state-space representation was constructed for the input–output relationship of biogas generation from organic compounds and the state of methane fermentation. A parameter-estimation system that estimated the parameters included in the prediction model from actual operating process data was built based on adaptive identification theory. The feedstock-determination controller was established based on model predictive control as a method to control biogas production. From the results of the identification experiment, the least square estimator of the parameters converged as the training data increased, and a reliable parameter was given in 1 week. From the results of the numerical simulation and the control experiment, it was confirmed that the biogas production management system developed in this study had a high prediction accuracy and control performance.
Virulence factors and clonal diversity of Staphylococcus aureus in colonization and wound infection with emphasis on diabetic foot infection
Authors: Shettigar Kavitha , Murali Thokur Sreepathy
Published: July 2020

Foot ulcer is a common complication in diabetic subjects and infection of these wounds contributes to increased rates of morbidity and mortality. Diabetic foot infections are caused by a multitude of microbes and Staphylococcus aureus, a major nosocomial and community-associated pathogen, significantly contributes to wound infections as well. Staphylococcus aureus is also the primary pathogen commonly associated with diabetic foot osteomyelitis and can cause chronic and recurrent bone infections. The virulence capability of the pathogen and host immune factors can determine the occurrence and progression of S. aureus infection. Pathogen-related factors include complexity of bacterial structure and functional characteristics that provide metabolic and adhesive properties to overcome host immune response. Even though, virulence markers and toxins of S. aureus are broadly similar in different wound models, certain distinguishing features can be observed in diabetic foot infection. Specific clonal lineages and virulence factors such as TSST-1, leukocidins, enterotoxins, and exfoliatins play a significant role in determining wound outcomes. In this review, we describe the role of specific virulence determinants and clonal lineages of S. aureus that influence wound colonization and infection with special reference to diabetic foot infections.
The Importance of Catchments to Mine-pit Lakes: Implications for Closure
Authors: Lund Mark , van Etten Eddie , Polifka Jonas , Vasquez Marilyn Quintero , Ramessur Ravish , Yangzom Dechen , Blanchette Melanie L.
Published: July 2020

Despite the large body of riparian literature for rivers and lakes, there are few studies on the catchments of mine pit lakes. Therefore, the broad objective of this research was to determine if catchment characteristics were related to pit lake nutrient concentrations. We hypothesised that: (1) catchment characteristics would vary among pit lakes, (2) pit lake catchments would differ from co-occurring naturally-forested catchments, and (3) connecting a pit lake (Kepwari) to a naturally-forested catchment via a river flow-through would increase C accumulation in the lake. The research was conducted in pit lakes of the Collie lake district in Western Australia and examined catchment characteristics (soil nutrients, litter biomass, vegetation, and biomass), carbon and sedimentation rates in pelagic and benthic materials, and establishment of a simple nutrient budget for Lake Kepwari. Broadly, results indicated that catchment vegetation differed significantly among pit lakes (although parts were similar to co-occurring natural forest), with differences largely driven by catchment age. None of the pit lake catchments had true riparian species surrounding the pit lakes. The hypothesis that connecting a pit lake to a watercourse would increase carbon concentrations and sedimentation was not supported. Most (87%) of the water that entered the lake was from the river, and river outflow was slightly greater than river inflow. However, the lake acted like a nutrient sink, with more N, P, and TOC calculated in the inflows than the outflow. We found that it took 10–15 years of growth for actively rehabilitated pit lake catchments to approximate natural forest and 60 years for unrehabilitated pit lake catchments. Active rehabilitation that includes riparian-specific planting would likely lead to better outcomes for pit lake catchment vegetation. Connecting a pit lake to a river substantially increased catchment size and large amounts of river-derived carbon were deposited in the lake. However, carbon concentrations were relatively low compared to the size of the lake. Our results suggest that active intervention is required if stakeholders are unwilling to wait decades for the biological development of pit lakes.
Including covariates in a space-time point process with application to seismicity
Authors: Adelfio Giada , Chiodi Marcello
Published: July 2020

The paper proposes a spatio-temporal process that improves the assessment of events in space and time, considering a contagion model (branching process) within a regression-like framework to take covariates into account. The proposed approach develops the forward likelihood for prediction method for estimating the ETAS model, including covariates in the model specification of the epidemic component. A simulation study is carried out for analysing the misspecification model effect under several scenarios. Also an application to the Italian seismic catalogue is reported, together with the reference to the developed R package.
Konjunkturpolitik — post COVID-19
Authors:   Überblick
Published: July 2020

Die Corona-Krise hat die deutsche Wirtschaft in die tiefste Rezession seit dem Zweiten Weltkrieg gestürzt. Aufgrund der weltweiten Verbreitung sind Lieferketten gestört und der internationale Handel erheblich beeinträchtigt, was die exportabhängige deutsche Wirtschaft besonders stark trifft. Das von der Bundesregierung aufgelegte Programm zur Stützung der Wirtschaft wird von den Autoren in vielen Punkten kritisiert. Einige bewerten vor allem die temporäre Senkung der Umsatzsteuer als eine Maßnahme nach dem Gießkannenprinzip mit geringem Konjunkturimpuls. Sie sehen vor allem die Unternehmen als Leidtragende und Impulsgeber für eine Rückkehr zu einem Wachstum auf Vorkrisen-Niveau. Sie schlagen eine Verbesserung des steuerlichen Umgangs mit Verlusten und eine Senkung der Ertragsteuern vor. Andere legen den Schwerpunkt auf öffentliche Investitionen als Wachstumsmotor und fordern Zukunftsinvestitionen für eine innovative, digitale und klimaneutrale Wirtschaft.
Staatsfinanzen in der Corona-Krise: Günstige Bedingungen sichern Handlungsfähigkeit
Authors: Gebhardt Heinz , Siemers Lars-H.
Published: July 2020

Noch zur Jahreswende 2019/2020 prognostizierten die an der Gemeinschaftsdiagnose beteiligten Wirtschaftsforschungsinstitute für 2020 staatliche Budgetüberschüsse von 21 Mrd. bis 31 Mrd. Euro. Sie gingen von einer Fortsetzung des Aufschwungs aus und erwarteten eine weitere Besserung der staatlichen Finanzlage. Die Staatsfinanzen waren fast ein Jahrzehnt von steigenden Budgetüberschüssen geprägt. Die Corona-Krise verschlechtert die Finanzlage schlagartig; sie wird 2020 zu einem historisch hohen Defizit und einem rasanten Anstieg der Staatsschuldenquote führen. Dank der komfortablen Finanzlage zu Beginn der Corona-Krise und der flexibel ausgestalteten Schuldenbremse verfügt der Staat aber über ausreichende fiskalische Spielräume, um Rettungsschirme und Konjunkturpakete von historischem Ausmaß zu finanzieren.
Präventive Handlungsfähigkeit des Staates im 21. Jahrhundert
Authors: Sturn Richard
Published: July 2020

Der Staat steht angesichts der Transformation von Wirtschaft und Gesellschaft durch die Digitalisierung, die Globalisierung und den Klimawandel vor neuen und großen Herausforderungen. Diesen wird er am besten gerecht, wenn er Probleme präventiv behandelt und nicht ex post „heilt“. Um die Voraussetzungen für eine präventive Handlungsfähigkeit des Staates zu schaffen, ist es erforderlich, sich differenziert mit dem Konzept der öffentlichen Güter zu befassen und Markt- sowie Staatsversagen neu in den Blick zu nehmen.
Europäische Wirtschafts- und Währungsunion: Grenzwerte für Defizite und Schulden in der Kritik
Authors: Priewe Jan
Published: July 2020

Warum eigentlich 3 % und 60 %? Die Auseinandersetzung mit den Grenzwerten für Defizite und Schuldenstände in der Europäischen Wirtschafts- und Währungsunion zeigt, dass diese politisch willkürlich gesetzt und wenig ökonomisch fundiert sind. Auch ist der Schuldenstand als Grenzwert im Gegensatz zum Haushaltsdefizit ein europäischer Sonderweg. Eine Reform der Kriterien des Stabilitäts- und Wachstumspakts sowie des Fiskalpakts ist dringend geboten.
“As a Young Pregnant Girl… The Challenges You Face”: Exploring the Intersection Between Mental Health and Sexual and Reproductive Health Amongst Adolescent Girls and Young Women in South Africa
Authors: Duby Zoe , McClinton Appollis Tracy , Jonas Kim , Maruping Kealeboga , Dietrich Janan , LoVette Ashleigh , Kuo Caroline , Vanleeuw Lieve , Mathews Catherine
Published: July 2020

In South Africa, adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) are at risk of poor mental health, HIV infection and early pregnancy. Poor mental health in AGYW is associated with increased sexual risk behaviours, and impeded HIV testing and care. Using in-depth interviews and focus group discussions, we explored subjective experiences of mental health and sexual and reproductive health (SRH) amongst 237 AGYW aged 15–24 years in five South African districts. Respondents shared narratives of stress, emotional isolation, feelings of depression, and suicidal ideation, interconnected with HIV, pregnancy and violence in relationships. Findings show that AGYW in South Africa face a range of mental health stressors and lack sufficient support, which intersect with SRH challenges to heighten their vulnerability. Framed within the syndemic theory, our findings suggest that South African AGYW’s vulnerability towards early pregnancy, HIV infection and poor mental health are bidirectional and interconnected. Considering the overlaps and interactions between mental health and SRH amongst AGYW, it is critical that mental health components are integrated into SRH interventions.
Dimensional Decomposition of Turbulent Reacting Flows
Authors: Grøvdal Fredrik , Sannan Sigurd , Meraner Christoph , Li Tian , Løvås Terese
Published: July 2020

A dimensional-decomposition approach, decomposing 3D into 3×1D for turbulent (reacting) flows are motivated, discussed and investigated. In the three-dimensional Linear Eddy Model (LEM3D), three orthogonally intersecting arrays of 1D domains are coupled to capture the 3D characteristics of fluid flows. The currently used recouplings for LEM3D are enlightened and thoroughly discussed. A study of the flame front of a freely propagating laminar premixed flame shows that the flame stabilizes at the upstream face of the initial solution when both the advective and auxiliary recouplings are activated. Furthermore, results from LEM3D simulations of a vitiated co-flow burner are re-visited providing a more detailed discussion of the noted early mixing and reaction of the hydrogen fuel of the burner. The main conclusion of the present work is that the auxiliary coupling based on rotations of the 3D control volumes introduces very large gradients in the near-field geometry of jets, leading to a significant amount of artificial diffusion and locally increased burning rates. This implies that applications of LEM3D should be restricted to sub-regions where high-resolution treatment of scalar mixing and reaction is of particular interest.
Understanding Physical Processes Represented by the Monin–Obukhov Bulk Formula for Momentum Transfer
Authors: Sun Jielun , Takle Eugene S. , Acevedo Otávio C.
Published: July 2020

Physical processes represented by the Monin–Obukhov bulk formula for momentum are investigated with field observations. We discuss important differences between turbulent mixing by the most energetic non-local, large, coherent turbulence eddies and local turbulent mixing as traditionally represented by K-theory (analog to molecular diffusion), especially in consideration of developing surface-layer stratification. The study indicates that the neutral state in a horizontally homogeneous surface layer described in the Monin–Obukhov bulk formula represents a special neutrality regardless of wind speed, for example, the surface layer with no surface heating/cooling. Under this situation, the Monin–Obukhov bulk formula agrees well with observations for heights to at least 30 m. As the surface layer is stratified, stably or unstably, the neutral state is achieved by mechanically generated turbulent mixing through the most energetic non-local coherent eddies. The observed neutral relationship between $$u_*$$

u

∗

(the square root of the momentum flux magnitude) and wind speed V at any height is different from that described by the Monin–Obukhov formula except within several metres of the surface. The deviation of the Monin–Obukhov neutral $$u_*-V$$

u

∗

-
V

linear relation from the observed one increases with height and contributes to the deteriorating performance of the bulk formula with increasing height, which cannot be compensated by stability functions. Based on these analyses, estimation of drag coefficients is discussed as well.
Overall survival results from the randomized phase 2 study of palbociclib in combination with letrozole versus letrozole alone for first-line treatment of ER+/HER2− advanced breast cancer (PALOMA-1, TRIO-18)
Authors: Finn Richard S. , Boer Katalin , Bondarenko Igor , Patel Ravindranath , Pinter Tamas , Schmidt Marcus , Shparyk Yaroslav V. , Thummala Anu , Voitko Nataliia , Bananis Eustratios , McRoy Lynn , Wilner Keith , Huang Xin , Kim Sindy , Slamon Dennis J. , Ettl Johannes
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Palbociclib is a cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 (CDK4/6) inhibitor, approved in combination with endocrine therapy for the treatment of women and men with hormone receptor–positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2–negative advanced breast cancer (HR+/HER2− ABC). In the phase 2, open-label, PALOMA-1 trial, palbociclib plus letrozole significantly prolonged progression-free survival (PFS) versus letrozole alone (hazard ratio, 0.488; 95% CI 0.319‒0.748;P = 0.0004; median PFS, 20.2 vs 10.2 months, respectively) in postmenopausal women with estrogen receptor–positive (ER+)/HER2− ABC. Here, we present the final overall survival (OS) and updated safety results.

Methods

Postmenopausal women with ER+/HER2− ABC were randomized 1:1 to receive either palbociclib (125 mg/day, 3/1 schedule) plus letrozole (2.5 mg/day, continuous) or letrozole alone (2.5 mg/day, continuous). The primary endpoint was investigator-assessed PFS; secondary endpoints included OS and safety.

Results

A total of 165 patients were randomized. At the data cutoff date of December 30, 2016 (median duration of follow-up, 64.7 months), the stratified hazard ratio for OS was 0.897 (95% CI 0.623–1.294;P = 0.281); median OS in the palbociclib plus letrozole and letrozole alone arms was 37.5 and 34.5 months, respectively. The median time from randomization to first subsequent chemotherapy use was longer with palbociclib plus letrozole than letrozole alone (26.7 and 17.7 months, respectively). The most frequently reported adverse event in the palbociclib plus letrozole arm was neutropenia (any grade, 75%; grade 3 or 4, 59%).

Conclusions

Palbociclib plus letrozole treatment led to a numerical but not statistically significant improvement in median OS.

Pfizer Inc (NCT00721409)
Strengthening the Power of Evidence-Based Prevention in Cooperative Extension: A Capacity-Building Framework for Translation Science-Driven Behavioral Health
Authors: Spoth Richard , Franz Nancy , Brennan Alison
Published: July 2020

Background

Translation science entails application of information gained through scientific research to practices intended to improve prevention and public health. The outreach arm of Land-Grant Universities—the Cooperative Extension System—is uniquely poised to facilitate this translation process and contribute to resolution of current substance misuse and other behavioral health issues.

Objective

This paper summarizes selected literatures that guided the conceptualization of a framework for building Extension’s capacity to enhance the translation process, in order to better address substance misuse and other behavioral health issues.

Method

Peer-reviewed literature was obtained from journals representing varied disciplines including medicine, public health, education, and psychology. Journals for Extension professionals were a prominent source of relevant literature. The literature review informed the identification of relevant practice gaps, barriers in addressing those gaps, and the development of a capacity-building framework.

Results

The framework described highlights opportunities for building Cooperative Extension’s capacity to address goals in four key domains. These goals include (1) catalyzing Extension’s organizational development to support science-driven practices, (2) bolstering prevention and behavioral health-oriented professional development for Extension faculty and staff, (3) creating a stronger culture of behavioral health in Extension, and (4) strengthening Extension’s financing of prevention-oriented behavioral health efforts.

Conclusion

Addressing the capacity-related goals identified in this paper could be a major catalyst for enhancing the power of proven, prevention-oriented behavioral health and, thereby, the well-being of our families, communities and nation.
Iterative solvers for Biot model under small and large deformations
Authors: Borregales Reverón Manuel Antonio , Kumar Kundan , Nordbotten Jan Martin , Radu Florin Adrian
Published: July 2020

We consider L-scheme and Newton-based solvers for Biot model under large deformation. The mechanical deformation follows the Saint Venant-Kirchoff constitutive law. Furthermore, the fluid compressibility is assumed to be non-linear. A Lagrangian frame of reference is used to keep track of the deformation. We perform an implicit discretization in time (backward Euler) and propose two linearization schemes for solving the non-linear problems appearing within each time step: Newton’s method and L-scheme. Each linearization scheme is also presented in a monolithic and a splitting version, extending the undrained split methods to non-linear problems. The convergence of the solvers, here presented, is shown analytically for cases under small deformation and numerically for examples under large deformation. Illustrative numerical examples are presented to confirm the applicability of the schemes, in particular, for large deformation.
Determining the Generalized Discount Rate for Risky Projects
Authors: Luo Lanlan , Chen Shou , Zou Ziran
Published: July 2020

It is widely recognized that the evaluation of risky projects critically depends on how the riskiness of future benefits is treated. Standard discounting theories are based on the assumption that risks that are uncorrelated with aggregate risk are diversified, so that projects’ idiosyncratic risk is not priced. However, this may not be true for long-term risky projects, such as those with persistent idiosyncratic shocks. In this study, we investigate the impact of both aggregate risk and nondiversifiable idiosyncratic risk on the discount rate for risky projects. We extend the generalized discount rate to the case of persistent shocks. A particular advantage of the generalized discount rate is that it can be applied in the setting of incomplete markets. We show that nondiversifiable idiosyncratic risk reduces the discount rate, and increases the present value of projects’ future uncertain benefits. We further apply our findings to the evaluation of emissions reduction projects.