bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel L‐shaped drain dual‐gateSiGe MOSFETforhigh‐frequency, low power applications
Authors: Yadav Shekhar , Negi Chandra Mohan Singh
Published: June 2022

In this work, vertically trenched double gate architecture has been investigated, in which the gates are implemented inside vertical oxide trenches. Besides, a silicon‐germanium channel dual‐gate MOSFET with unconventional L‐shaped drain architecture is proposed to improve device performance further. We have shown that the proposed device is the first‐of‐its‐kind device architecture that controls short channel effects and markedly improves transistor performance. Here, The Atlas 2D device simulator has been used to analyze the performance of the devices. At nanoscaled device dimensions, the proposed L‐shaped DG MOS device demonstrated superior ON current characteristics, higher values of transconductance, larger unity gain cut off frequencies, greaterIontoIoffratios, higher gain, lower parasitic capacitance, greater transconductance to drain conductance ratio, suppressed drain induced barrier lowering (DIBL), and lower subthreshold swing (S.S.), in comparison to the recently presented Double Gate MOS with unconventional side drain architecture. All these intriguing features demonstrated by the proposed transistor structure make it a potential candidate for low‐power, high‐frequency applications.
Enhancement of the relationship between spring extreme precipitation over Southwest China and preceding winter sea surface temperature anomalies over the South Indian Ocean after the late 1980s
Authors: Nan Yating , Sun Jianqi , Zhang Mengqi , Hong Haixu , Nie Yanbo , Yuan Junpeng
Published: June 2022

Spring extreme precipitation (SEP) significantly disturbs spring ploughing over Southwest China (SWC), bringing challenges for agricultural activities and production over the region. This study investigates the interannual relationship between SWC SEP and sea surface temperature (SST) in preceding winter, from a perspective of prediction. It is found that the dominate mode of SWC SEP interannual variability mainly reflects the variability over the eastern part. The variability of eastern SWC SEP has an enhanced connection with a dipole SST pattern over the South Indian Ocean in preceding winter after the late 1980s. Under the warmer SST background after the late 1980s, the South Indian Ocean dipole SST pattern can lead to significant convection activity over tropical central and western Indian Ocean. The tropical diabatic heating associated with enhanced convection can strengthen the western North Pacific anticyclone, which transports more water vapour to eastern SWC and induces stronger moisture convergence there, providing favourable moisture condition for the SEP occurrence. In addition, the dipole SST pattern can strengthen upward motion over eastern SWC through exiting a meridional circulation, providing a favourable dynamic condition for the SEP occurrence over there. In contrast, under the colder SST background before the late 1980s, the dipole SST pattern‐related convection and atmospheric circulation anomalies are weak over the Indo‐Pacific region. Therefore, the relationship of the dipole SST pattern with SEP over eastern SWC is weak before the late 1980s. The SST signals with one‐season leading could provide valuable source for seasonal prediction of eastern SWC SEP variability after the late 1980s.
Bacteria (E. coli) take up ultrasmall gold nanoparticles (2 nm) as shown by different optical microscopic techniques (CLSM, SIM, STORM)
Authors: Białas Nataniel , Sokolova Viktoriya , van der Meer Selina Beatrice , Knuschke Torben , Ruks Tatjana , Klein Kai , Westendorf Astrid M. , Epple Matthias
Published: June 2022

The uptake of fluorescently labeled ultrasmall gold nanoparticles (2 nm) by Gram‐negative Escherichia coli bacteria occurs within 1–3 hours. This was demonstrated by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), structured illumination microscopy (SIM), stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (STORM), and flow cytometry. For imaging, eGFP‐expressing and DsRed2‐expressing E. coli strains were used in addition to non‐fluorescing E. coli strains. Gold nanoparticles were labeled with fluoresceine (FITC), Cy3, and AF647, respectively. Importantly, gold nanoparticles showed no toxicity to the bacteria, indicating a non‐lethal nature of the uptake, that is, not related to cell injury.
Peptide‐assistedsupramolecular polymerization of the anionic porphyrinmeso‐tetra(4‐sulfonatophenyl)porphine
Authors: Kohn Eric M. , Shirley David J. , Hinds Nicole M. , Fry H. Christopher , Caputo Gregory A.
Published: June 2022

Electronics made from biological materials are desirable for use in medical devices, biosensors, and soft robotics because they have properties inaccessible to current inorganic technologies. Here, a series of cationic peptides were developed to self‐assemble with the anionic porphyrin meso‐tetra(4‐sulfonatophenyl)porphine (TPPS4) into supramolecular light‐harvesting wires known as J‐aggregates were developed. In addition to quantifying the binding events between each peptide and TPPS4, we found co‐incubation with mixed peptides allowed TPPS4to bridge two different peptides at their terminal porphyrin‐binding regions. The J‐aggregates formed on macroscopic scale in near quantitative yield within ~3 h and readily interconverted with the soluble monomers upon cycling the pH; to our knowledge, this is the first report of a peptide‐porphyrin system with such properties. This work has practical and conceptual relevance to the development of new bioelectronic materials.
Driving forces of population change following the Canterbury Earthquake Sequence, New Zealand: A multiscale geographically weighted regression approach
Authors: Colbert Jessie , Sila‐Nowicka Katarzyna , Yao Jing
Published: June 2022

The Canterbury Earthquake Sequence (CES), which includes the 2010 and 2011 Christchurch earthquakes, is one of the deadliest disasters in New Zealand history. Following the CES, displacement of the affected population occurred, leading to an out‐migration from affected areas and changes to places of residence. This paper investigates the spatial changes in population following the CES, using a multiscale geographically weighted regression (MGWR) analysis approach to examine if there is a relationship between population change within the Canterbury region, and potential driving forces across two time periods: 2006–2013 and 2013–2018. The findings of this study could assist in informing future decision making and planning for earthquake events and to increase the effectiveness of land use policy decisions for post‐disaster recovery in New Zealand.
A Comparative Study: Sequential and Single‐Step‐Electrodeposited CZTS Thin Films
Authors: Fernando Wattoru Thanthrige Roshan Sanjeewa , Jayathilaka Karannagoda Mudalige Don Charith , Wijesundera Ruwan Palitha , Siripala Withana
Published: June 2022

CZTS (Cu2ZnSnS4) is a relatively new and promising semiconductor material suitable for photovoltaic applications due to its favorable optoelectronic properties. Of the many techniques available for growing these films, a comparative study on sequential and single‐step electrodeposition methods to grow CZTS films is carried out in this investigation to explore the possibility of improving the quality of the films using the inexpensive electrodeposition technique. Mainly in both methods, potentiostatic electrodeposition technique is adopted for growing CZTS thin films. In both methods, growth conditions of the CZTS films are optimized after measuring the photoresponses in a photoelectrochemical (PEC) cell of the films that resulted at the end of each deposition step. The observed structural and optoelectronic properties of the films reveal that, in general, structurally good and photoactive CZTS films can be prepared using both methods. Moreover, photoresponse and Mott–Schottky measurements on CZTS films in a PEC reveal that CZTS films prepared using the single‐step electrodeposition have better photoactive properties and improved doping densities. This important finding shows that when developing CZTS‐based solar cells using the inexpensive electrodeposition technique, single‐step electrodeposition is more advantageous.
Plombage: A historical image
Authors: Fernandes Sónia da Costa , Patronillo Catarina , Marques Catarina
Published: June 2022

Key message

Plombage is a historical treatment in which a cavity is created surgically in the upper chest wall and the space is filled with inert material, such as fat, paraffin wax, rubber balloons, oil or methyl‐methacrylate (Lucite) balls, and it also promotes lung collapse.
Asymptotics and statistics on Fishburn matrices: Dimension distribution and a conjecture of Stoimenow
Authors: Hwang Hsien‐Kuei , Jin Emma Yu , Schlosser Michael J.
Published: June 2022

We establish the asymptotic normality of the dimension of large‐size random Fishburn matrices by a complex‐analytic approach. The corresponding dual problem of size distribution under large dimension is also addressed and follows a quadratic type normal limit law. These results represent the first of their kind and solve two open questions raised in the combinatorial literature. They are presented in a general framework where the entries of the Fishburn matrices are not limited to or nonnegative integers . The analytic saddle‐point approach we apply, based on a powerful transformation for ‐series due to Andrews and Jelínek, is also useful in solving a conjecture of Stoimenow in Vassiliev invariants.
Linking institutional quality to environmental sustainability
Authors: Jahanger Atif , Usman Muhammad , Balsalobre‐Lorente Daniel
Published: June 2022

This study investigates the influence of democracy, autocracy, and globalization on carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in 69 developing countries from 1990 to 2018. We used the unit root approaches to scrutinize the level of stationarity and recognize that all concern variables were unified at first difference. Pedroni and the Kao cointegration methodologies were employed for the detection of long‐run cointegration, and the conclusions discovered the presence of long‐run relationships among variables. Furthermore, this study applied a fully modified ordinary least square (FMOLS) approach to estimate the long‐run elasticity/coefficients. The outcomes showed that democracy and renewable energy significantly overcome the pressure on the environment. However, financial development and globalization significantly increase environmental damage. Besides, the findings of an interaction term between democracy and globalization significantly reduce the pollution level, and the dampening effect of autocracy and globalization does a similar effect on environmental damage. Besides, an Inverted U‐shaped environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) hypothesis was verified across the developing world. Additionally, the Feedback hypothesis is discovered between autocracy, democracy, and CO2 emissions. However, the growth hypothesis is revealed from CO2 emissions and globalization to democracy. Finally, this study also suggests some valuable policy suggestions to the governments/policymakers in general/specific regarding the developing world for endorsing their environmental sustainability.
Influence of the irradiation of ions of different mass on the formation of surface defects of lithium fluoride thin films
Authors: Sharopov Utkirjon , Kaur Kulwinder , Kurbanov Muzaffar , Avezov Nodirbek , Juraev Turob , Egamberdiev Bahrom , Rashidov Karim , Turapova Dilobar
Published: June 2022

We explore the experimental and simulation results of the formation of defects on the surface of lithium fluoride thin films under irradiation with different mass ions using total current (TC) spectroscopy, secondary ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS), and the Stopping and Range of Ions in Matter (SRIM) software package. A comparative study was carried out with ions of different masses, and inconsistencies in the occurring physical phenomena between our early concepts were found. It is shown that in the case of heavy ions irradiation, they are implanted and appear as substitutional atoms into the bulk of the crystal. For ions with the smallest ion mass, the distribution of interstitial defects is greater on the surface than in the bulk of the crystal. An attempt is made to explain the formation of some defects on the surface (formed peaks in the TC spectra) by the method of computer simulation.
Collaborative biostatistics and epidemiology in academic medical centres: A survey to assess relationships with health researchers and ethical implications
Authors: Devick Katrina L. , Gunn Heather J. , Price Lori Lyn , Meinzen‐Derr Jareen K. , Enders Felicity T. , Perkins Susan M. , Schulte Phillip J.
Published: June 2022

The role of collaborative biostatisticians and epidemiologists in academic medical centres and how their degree type, supervisor type and sex influences recognition and feelings of respect is poorly understood. We conducted a cross‐sectional survey of self‐identified biostatisticians and epidemiologists working in academic medical centres in the United States or Canada. The survey was sent to 341 contacts at 125 institutions who were asked to forward the survey invitation to faculty and staff at their institution and posted on Community sections of the American Statistical Association website. Participants were asked a variety of questions including if they felt pressured to produce specific results, whether they had intellectual and ethical freedom to pursue appropriate use of statistical methods in collaborative research and if they felt their contributions were appropriately recognized by collaborators. We received responses from 314 biostatisticians or related methodologists. A majority were female (59%), had a doctorate degree (52%) and reported to a statistician or biostatistician supervisor (69%). Overall, most participants felt valued by their collaborators, but that they did not have sufficient calendar time to meet deadlines. Doctoral‐level participants reported more autonomy in their collaborations than master's level participants. Females were less likely to feel recognized and respected compared with males. The survey results suggest that while most respondents felt valued by their collaborators, they have too many projects and need more time to critically review research. Further research is needed to understand why response differs by sex and how these responses fluctuate over time.
Pseudo‐multi impulse for simulating critical response of elastic–plastic high‐rise buildings under long‐duration, long‐period ground motion
Authors: Akehashi Hiroki , Takewaki Izuru
Published: June 2022

A pseudo‐multi impulse (PMI) is proposed as an extension of the ordinary base‐input multi impulse substituting a long‐duration, long‐period ground motion which can often be simulated by a multi‐cycle sine wave (MSW). PMI is treated as a multitude of impulsive lateral forces and hardly excites the higher‐mode responses of elastic multi‐degree‐of‐freedom (MDOF) models because the undamped fundamental participation vector is adopted as the influence coefficient vector. It is shown that the critical time interval of PMI can be obtained without any repetition. This enables a smart derivation of the critical response. The displacement transfer functions are derived for elastic MDOF models, where two kinds of the influence coefficient vectors are adopted: (1) one at every component (conventional one) and (2) the undamped fundamental‐mode participation vector. It is demonstrated that the critical PMI can efficiently and accurately evaluate the maximum responses under MSW and the critical input period of MSW for elastic–plastic MDOF models. Furthermore, PMI is extended to treat the critical case for the second eigenmode. Finally, the critical PMI is applied to high‐rise buildings for the investigation into the input energy and the cumulative plastic deformation ductility demand.
Reflections on the Principle of Mutual Trust in EU Law and Judicial Dialogue in Europe
Authors: Pellonpää Matti
Published: June 2022

The principle of mutual trust plays an important role in EU law, especially in the area of freedom, security and justice. In its Opinion 2/13 on the planned EU accession to the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) considered the draft agreement to be incompatible with EU law, in particular because it did not sufficiently take into account the principle of mutual trust. This chapter examines whether the ECHR is, as suggested by Opinion 2/13, in fact incompatible with EU law and whether this creates an insurmountable obstacle to accession. The chapter argues that the case-law of the two European Courts, rather than confirming such inherent incompatibility, demonstrates a constructive judicial dialogue between them. This is a dialogue in which, in addition to the two supranational Courts, national courts, such as the German Federal Constitutional Court, have given their contribution. While the true nature of the principle of mutual trust in EU law remains subject to debate, close scrutiny reveals it as more of a rebuttable presumption than a full-fledged legal principle. Ultimately, the European and domestic courts involved are shown to have engaged in a useful judicial dialogue that has influenced the shaping of the principle of mutual trust in a manner that can be regarded as satisfactory from the point of view of both the ECHR and the EU.
The European Space Agency’s Contribution to National Space Law
Authors: Tapio Jenni , Soucek Alexander
Published: June 2022

The European Space Agency (ESA) represents a mechanism of international cooperation among its Member States and acts as a partner in international space cooperation on a global scale. Carrying out space programmes and operating satellites in outer space, the ESA is a rare example of an intergovernmental organisation that is, from a functional perspective, both a spacecraft developer and  an operator, having accumulated unrivalled technical expertise over four decades and having fostered competitiveness through investment in the space industry across its Member States. This chapter explains the way in which the ESA and its Member States interface, de iure and de facto, in law making. Capitalising on the example of Finland and its novel domestic space law (2018), the chapter highlights and explains the process of interaction between an intergovernmental mechanism and a national administration, showing why and how international mechanisms can become facilitators of national law making for the benefit of legislative and executive branches and non-governmental norm-addressees alike.
The FATF and Evolution of Counterterrorism Asset Freeze Laws in the Nordic Countries: We Fought the Soft Law and the Soft Law Won
Authors: Pursiainen Aleksi
Published: June 2022

The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is an inter-govermental body devoted to developing international standards for combatting money laundering as well as terrorist and proliferation financing. It is particularly known for its profoundly influential “40 Recommendations” and the grueling mutual evaluations to which member governments periodically subject each other. Despite the non-binding “soft law” nature of its Recommendations, the FATF has had an immense impact on the development of domestic laws in jurisdictions around the world. Some have sought to explain the FATF’s powers through its ability to penalize non-compliant jurisdictions through a “blacklisting” mechanism, while others have emphasized the softer, persuasive powers a co-operative expert organization can have on its members. This chapter explores the historical development of a particularly contentious FATF Recommendation on counterterrorism asset freezes and its implementation in the Nordic countries to provide a detailed example of how the FATF influences individual states—and how individual states, in turn, may influence the FATF.
A Quantile-Based Watermarking Approach for Distortion Minimization
Authors: Pérez Gort Maikel Lázaro , Olliaro Martina , Cortesi Agostino
Published: June 2022

Distortion-based watermarking techniques embed the watermark by performing tolerable changes in the digital assets being protected. For relational data, mark insertion can be performed over the different data types of the database relations’ attributes. An important goal for distortion-based approaches is to minimize as much as possible the changes that the watermark embedding provokes into data, preserving their usability, watermark robustness, and capacity. This paper proposes a quantile-based watermarking technique for numerical cover type focused on preserving the distribution of attributes used as mark carriers. The experiments performed to validate our proposal show a significant distortion reduction compared to traditional approaches while maintaining watermark capacity levels. Also, positive achievements regarding robustness are visible, evidencing our technique’s resilience against subset attacks.
Substituting bouts of sedentary behavior with physical activity: adopting positive lifestyle choices in people with a history of cancer
Authors: Ingle Lee , Ruilova Samantha , Cui Yunsung , DeClercq Vanessa , Sweeney Ellen , Yu Zhijie Michael , Forbes Cynthia C.
Published: June 2022

Purpose

To determine in people with a history of cancer, whether substituting sitting time with other daily activities (i.e., sleeping, walking, moderate and vigorous physical activity) was associated with changes in waist circumference (WC), an important surrogate marker of cardiometabolic risk.

Methods

Cross-sectional analyses from the Atlantic Partnership for Tomorrow’s Health (Atlantic PATH) cohort was conducted using isotemporal substitution models to explore the associations of substituting sedentary time, physical activity behavior (International Physical Activity Questionnaire), or sleep (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index) with changes in WC. Analyses were conducted using sex-specific WC classifications.

Results

In 3,684 people with a history of cancer [mean age (SD) 58.2 (7.3) years; BMI 28.9 (5.2) kg m−2; 71% female], reallocating 10 min of sleep or sedentary time for 10 min of walking was associated with lower WC in women (p < 0.01). In men, PA intensity appeared to be more strongly associated with a reduced WC. Replacing 10 min of sedentary time with 10 min of moderate or vigorous PA and replacing 10 min of sleep with moderate PA were associated with a significantly reduced WC (p < 0.001). The largest effect was when 10 min of moderate PA was replaced with vigorous PA, a reduction in WC (p < 0.01) was evident.

Conclusion

For people with a history of cancer, adopting small but positive changes in lifestyle behaviors could help reduce WC and potentially offset negative health-related outcomes associated with higher WC. Further research is required to examine whether such an intervention may be acceptable and manageable among this population.
Evidence for Protective Effects of Peer Play in the Early Years: Better Peer Play Ability at Age 3 Years Predicts Lower Risks of Externalising and Internalising Problems at Age 7 Years in a Longitudinal Cohort Analysis
Authors: Zhao Yiran Vicky , Gibson Jenny Louise
Published: June 2022

Peer play ability may be a protective factor against childhood mental health difficulties but there is lack of empirical evidence to support this hypothesis. We conducted longitudinal structural equation modelling study over a population cohort (N = 1676) to examine the effect of age 3 peer play ability on children’s age 7 mental health outcomes (measured by the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire subscales). We modelled effects for the entire population and two sub-groups at high-risk for mental health problems based on age 3 temperament. Controlling for demographic variables, temperament, maternal distress, play with parents and number of siblings, better peer play ability at age 3 years predicted lower risk of problems on all 4 SDQ subscales at age 7 years for the general population. For the low-persistence subgroup, better peer play ability at age 3 predicted lower risk of age 7 hyperactivity, emotional and peer problems, whereas better peer play ability at age 3 predicted only lower risk of age 7 hyperactivity for the high-reactivity group. Taken together our results provide evidence that supports the hypothesis that early peer play ability may be a protective factor against later mental health difficulties. We conclude that further research aimed at establishing causation is worth pursuing.
A Ribbon Model for Nematic Polymer Networks
Authors: Singh Harmeet , Virga Epifanio G.
Published: June 2022

We present a theory of deformation of ribbons made of nematic polymer networks (NPNs). These materials exhibit properties of rubber and nematic liquid crystals, and can be activated by external stimuli of heat and light. A two-dimensional energy for a sheet of such a material has already been derived from the celebrated neo-classical energy of nematic elastomers in three space dimensions. Here, we use a dimension reduction method to obtain the appropriate energy for a ribbon from the aforementioned sheet energy. We also present an illustrative example of a rectangular NPN ribbon that undergoes in-plane serpentine deformations upon activation under an appropriate set of boundary conditions.
Information Asymmetry in Business-to-Business Negotiations: A Game Theoretical Approach to Support Purchasing Decisions with Suppliers
Authors: Bodendorf Frank , Hollweck Barbara , Franke Jörg
Published: June 2022

The digital transformation confronts purchasing and supply management (PSM) with numerous new challenges, such as digital procurement objects and the information asymmetry between buyers and suppliers. Existing approaches contributing to PSM research (e. g., the selection of suppliers or the calculation of equilibrium prices) have in common that information regarding suppliers (e. g., production costs) must be well-known. However, this information is rarely accessible to purchasers due to the existing information asymmetry. This problem is addressed by a game-theoretical model based on a Stackelberg game to assist PSM in dealing with the information advantage of software suppliers. The applicability in practice is evaluated by a real-world case study from the automotive industry. The results show that the presented model can support decision-making in purchasing by a qualitative analysis of profit scenarios for different negotiation strategies. The model contributes to dismantling the information asymmetry and provides a basis for determining negotiation prices, also for digital procurement objects. This research motivates both supply and purchase managers to jointly optimize their product costs and thus increase their competitiveness on the market.
Image Reconstruction in Light-Sheet Microscopy: Spatially Varying Deconvolution and Mixed Noise
Authors: Toader Bogdan , Boulanger Jérôme , Korolev Yury , Lenz Martin O. , Manton James , Schönlieb Carola-Bibiane , Mureşan Leila
Published: June 2022

We study the problem of deconvolution for light-sheet microscopy, where the data is corrupted by spatially varying blur and a combination of Poisson and Gaussian noise. The spatial variation of the point spread function of a light-sheet microscope is determined by the interaction between the excitation sheet and the detection objective PSF. We introduce a model of the image formation process that incorporates this interaction and we formulate a variational model that accounts for the combination of Poisson and Gaussian noise through a data fidelity term consisting of the infimal convolution of the single noise fidelities, first introduced in L. Calatroni et al. (SIAM J Imaging Sci 10(3):1196–1233, 2017). We establish convergence rates and a discrepancy principle for the infimal convolution fidelity and the inverse problem is solved by applying the primal–dual hybrid gradient (PDHG) algorithm in a novel way. Numerical experiments performed on simulated and real data show superior reconstruction results in comparison with other methods.
An Immunological Axis Involving Interleukin 1β and Leucine-Rich-α2-Glycoprotein Reflects Therapeutic Response of Children with Kawasaki Disease: Implications from the KAWAKINRA Trial
Authors: Kessel Christoph , Koné-Paut Isabelle , Tellier Stéphanie , Belot Alexandre , Masjosthusmann Katja , Wittkowski Helmut , Fuehner Sabrina , Rossi-Semerano Linda , Dusser Perrine , Marie Isabelle , Boukhedouni Nadja , Agostini Helène , Piedvache Céline , Foell Dirk
Published: June 2022

Purpose

A recent phase II open-label study of the interleukin 1 (IL-1) receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) anakinra in treating IVIG-resistant Kawasaki disease (KD) patients reported promising results. Here, we aimed to characterize the immunological impact of IL-1 blockade in this unique study population.

Methods

Patients’ and control sera and supernatants of cells (whole blood, neutrophils, coronary artery endothelial cells) stimulated with recombinant IL-1β were analyzed for single or multiple marker (n = 22) expression by ELISA or multiplexed bead array assay. Data were analyzed using unsupervised hierarchical clustering, multiple correlation, and multi-comparison statistics and were compared to retrospective analyses of KD transcriptomics.

Results

Inflammation in IVIG-resistant KD (n = 16) is hallmarked by over-expression of innate immune mediators (particularly IL-6 > CXCL10 > S100A12 > IL-1Ra). Those as well as levels of immune or endothelial cell activation markers (sICAM-1, sVCAM-1) declined most significantly in course of anakinra treatment. Prior as well as following IL-1R blockade, over-expression of leucine-rich-α2-glycoprotein 1 (LRG1) associated best with remnant inflammatory activity and the necessity to escalate anakinra dosage and separated inflammatory KD patients from sJIA-MAS (n = 13) and MIS-C (n = 4). Protein as well as retrospective gene expression analyses indicated tight association of LRG1 with IL-1β signaling and neutrophilia, while particularly neutrophil stimulation with recombinant IL-1β resulted in concentration-dependent LRG1 release.

Conclusion

Our study identifies LRG1 as known trigger of endothelial activation and cardiac re-modeling to associate with IL-1β signaling in KD. Besides a potential patho-mechanistic implication of these findings, our data suggest blood leukocyte and neutrophil counts to best predict response to IL-1Ra treatment in IVIG-resistant KD.
Optimising Foil Selection for Neutron Activation Systems
Authors: Wong O. , Smith R. , Nobs C. R. , Bruce A. M.
Published: June 2022

Neutron spectrum unfolding using activation foils is currently the primary technique planned for measuring the neutron energy spectrum at the first wall of power-generating fusion reactors. Room for improvement in the effectiveness of current foil selection was identified, and a program produced to select foils procedurally in order to maximise the accuracy of the unfolding procedure. Using Kullback–Leibler Divergence to quantify the accuracy, the spectrum unfolded by the procedurally selected set of foils is found to be more accurate than the spectrum unfolded by a set of foils used in the literature.
The Large Deviation Principle for Inhomogeneous Erdős–Rényi Random Graphs
Authors: Markering Maarten
Published: June 2022

Consider the inhomogeneous Erdős-Rényi random graph (ERRG) on n vertices for which each pair $$i,j\in \{1,\ldots ,n\}$$

i
,
j
∈
{
1
,
…
,
n
}

, $$i\ne j,$$

i
≠
j
,

is connected independently by an edge with probability $$r_n(\frac{i-1}{n},\frac{j-1}{n})$$

r
n

(

i
-
1

n

,

j
-
1

n

)

, where $$(r_n)_{n\in \mathbb {N}}$$

(

r
n

)

n
∈
N

is a sequence of graphons converging to a reference graphonr. As a generalisation of the celebrated large deviation principle (LDP) for ERRGs by Chatterjee and Varadhan (Eur J Comb 32:1000–1017, 2011), Dhara and Sen (Large deviation for uniform graphs with given degrees, 2020. arXiv:1904.07666) proved an LDP for a sequence of such graphs under the assumption that r is bounded away from 0 and 1, and with a rate function in the form of a lower semi-continuous envelope. We further extend the results by Dhara and Sen. We relax the conditions on the reference graphon to $$(\log r, \log (1- r))\in L^1([0,1]^2)$$

(
log
r
,
log

(
1
-
r
)

)

∈

L
1

(

[
0
,
1
]

2

)

. We also show that, under this condition, their rate function equals a different, more tractable rate function. We then apply these results to the large deviation principle for the largest eigenvalue of inhomogeneous ERRGs and weaken the conditions for part of the analysis of the rate function by Chakrabarty et al. (Large deviation principle for the maximal eigenvalue of inhomogeneous Erdoös-Rényi random graphs, 2020. arXiv:2008.08367).
A Comparison of the Oxidation and Nitridation Properties of Selected Chromia- and Alumina-Forming Alloys at 800 °C
Authors: Sand T. , Liske J. , Helander T. , Svensson J.-E. , Johansson L.-G.
Published: June 2022

Three FeCrAl alloys and two chromia-formers (a stainless steel, and a Ni-base alloy) have been exposed in four environments (dry air, air + 20% H2O, 20% H2 + 20% H2O + Ar and 95% N2 + 5% H2) for 168 h at 800 °C. The corroded samples were investigated by SEM/EDS, XRD and gravimetry, and the formation of CrO2(OH)2(g) was measured as a function of time using a denuder technique. The Fe-base alloy formed a Cr-rich protective oxide scale in dry air and wet air but suffered break-away oxidation in 20% H2 + 20% H2O + Ar. In contrast, the Ni-base alloy suffered extensive NiO formation and internal oxidation in dry air and wet air but formed a protective chromia scale in 20% H2 + 20% H2O. All three FeCrAl alloys formed protective alumina scales in dry air, wet air and 20% H2 + 20% H2O + Ar. The FeCrAl alloy Kanthal APMT was severely nitrided in the 95% N2 + 5% H2 environment due to defects in the oxide scale associated with RE-rich inclusions which allowed nitrogen to enter the alloy. In contrast, the two Cr-lean FeCrAl alloys Kanthal EF101 and Kanthal EF100 did not suffer nitridation at all.
Mortality and morbidity in ageing men: Biology, Lifestyle and Environment
Authors: Zhao Erfei , Crimmins Eileen M.
Published: June 2022

Males live shorter lives than women in all countries. The universality of shorter male life expectancy is a 21st Century phenomena. It occurs with the decline in infectious diseases and the rise in cardiovascular diseases accounting for mortality. Male/female differences in morbidity are not as succinctly characterized. Men have a higher prevalence of lethal diseases, which is linked to their lower life expectancy. Women have more non-lethal conditions such as depression and arthritis; which may also be linked in part to longer survival. Men have better physical functioning and less disability which is partly explained by gender differences in diseases and also by their greater strength, size, and stamina. Gender differences in risk factors for disease have changed over time with the prevalence and treatment of risk as well as differential behavior by gender. Examination of what are seen as basic molecular and cellular measures related to aging indicates men age faster than women; however, even these basic biological measures result from a combination of biology, behavior, and social factors.
High-intensity interval training modulates inflammatory response in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Malczynska-Sims Paulina , Chalimoniuk Małgorzata , Wronski Zbigniew , Marusiak Jaroslaw , Sulek Anna
Published: June 2022

Background

Recent discoveries show that high-intensity interval training (HIIT) can bring many positive effects such as decreases in fat tissue, lower blood sugar levels, improved learning and memory, and lower risk of cardiac disease. Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by loss of the dopaminergic neurons, accompanied by chronic inflammation and neuroinflammation. Previous research shows that interval training can bring a beneficial effect on the inflammation and neuroplasticity in PD.

Objectives

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of 12 weeks of HIIT on the inflammation levels and antioxidant capacity in the serum of PD patients.

Methods

Twenty-eight people diagnosed with PD were enrolled in this study. Fifteen PD patients performed 12 weeks of HIIT on a cycloergometer. Thirteen non-exercised PD patients constitute the control group. Concentrations of inflammation markers and antioxidants’ capacity in the serum were measured at 3 sampling points (a week before, a week after, and 3 months after the HIIT).

Results

Twelve weeks of HIIT decreases the level of TNF-α (p = 0.034) and increases the level of IL-10 (p = 0.024). Those changes were accompanied by a decreased level of neutrophils (p = 0.03), neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (p = 0.048) and neutrophil/monocyte ratio (p = 0.0049) with increases in superoxide dismutase levels (p = 0.04).

Conclusions

Twelve weeks of HIIT can decrease systemic inflammation in PD patients and improve the antioxidant capacity in their serum, which can slow down the progression of the disease.
The Striatus bridge
Authors: Bhooshan Shajay , Bhooshan Vishu , Dell’Endice Alessandro , Chu Jianfei , Singer Philip , Megens Johannes , Van Mele Tom , Block Philippe
Published: June 2022

The paper describes the physical realisation of a 3D-concrete-printed, mortar-free, unreinforced masonry arched footbridge, designed for disassembly and reuse. The paper also details the novel integrated design, engineering and fabrication framework and the manufacturing and assembly processes used for the project. The research, motivated by the rapid growth in large-scale 3D concrete printing (3DCP), addresses the current lack of both design tools and integrated design-to-production solutions. It is guided by the insight regarding the applicability of design and analysis methods used in unreinforced masonry to large-scale, layered 3D printing with compression dominant materials such as concrete. Thus, the underlying computational framework and integrated design environment further extends and adapts advances in the computational design and analysis of unreinforced masonry structures to 3DCP masonry blocks. Adopting an unreinforced masonry paradigm for the design of 3DCP structures can make it possible to (i) reduce the amount of concrete used by allowing precise placement of concrete only where needed along the compressive flow of forces, (ii) reduce the amount of steel needed by reducing tensile and flexural strength requirements through a compression-appropriate design of both the global, shape and the block discretisation, and (iii) reuse components, repair the structures and recycle materials more easily. This paper builds on the relevance of the computational masonry paradigm to both delivering the ecological promises of 3DCP and to the development of a 3DCP-specific, design-to-production toolkit.
Weighted Bayesian Poisson Regression for The Number of Children Ever Born per Woman in Bangladesh
Authors: Tomal Jabed H. , Khan Jahidur Rahman , Wahed Abdus S.
Published: June 2022

Number of children ever born to women of reproductive age forms a core component of fertility and is vital to the population dynamics in any country. Using Bangladesh Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey 2019 data, we fitted a novel weighted Bayesian Poisson regression model to identify multi-level individual, household, regional and societal factors of the number of children ever born among married women of reproductive age in Bangladesh. We explored the robustness of our results using multiple prior distributions, and presented the Metropolis algorithm for posterior realizations. The method is compared with regular Bayesian Poisson regression model using a Weighted Bayesian Information Criterion. Factors identified emphasize the need to revisit and strengthen the existing fertility-reduction programs and policies in Bangladesh.
Corrigendum: Liftings of Jordan and Super Jordan Planes
Authors: Andruskiewitsch Nicolás , Angiono Iván , Heckenberger István
Published: June 2022

We complete the classification of the pointed Hopf algebras with finite Gelfand-Kirillov dimension that are liftings of the Jordan plane over a nilpotent-by-finite group, correcting the statement in [N. Andruskiewitsch, I. Angiono and I. Heckenberger, Liftings of Jordan and super Jordan planes, Proc. Edinb. Math. Soc., II. Ser. 61(3) (2018), 661–672.].
Prevalence of trypanosomes and selected symbionts in tsetse species of eastern Zambia
Authors: Mulenga Gloria M. , Namangala Boniface , Gummow Bruce
Published: June 2022

Insect symbionts have attracted attention for their potential use as anti-parasitic gene products in arthropod disease vectors. While tsetse species of the Luangwa valley have been extensively studied, less is known about the prevalence of symbionts and their interactions with the trypanosome parasite. Polymerase chain reaction was used to investigate the presence of Wolbachia and Sodalis bacteria, in tsetse flies infected with trypanosomes (Trypanosoma vivax, Trypanosoma congolense and Trypanosoma brucei). Out of 278 captured tsetse flies in eastern Zambia, 95.3% (n = 265, 95% CI = 92.8–97.8) carried endosymbionts: Wolbachia (79.1%, 95% CI 73.9–83.8) and Sodalis (86.3%, 95% CI 81.7–90.1). Overall, trypanosome prevalence was 25.5% (n = 71, 95% CI = 20.4–30.7), 10.8% (n = 30, 95% CI 7.1–14.4) for T. brucei, 1.4% (n = 4, 95% CI = 0.4–3.6) for both T. congolense and T. vivax, and 0.7% (n = 2, 95% CI 0.1–2.6) for T. b. rhodesiense. Out of 240 tsetse flies that were infected with Sodalis, trypanosome infection was reported in 40 tsetse flies (16.7%, 95% CI = 12.0–21.4) while 37 (16.8%, 95% CI 11.9–21.8) of the 220 Wolbachia infected tsetse flies were infected with trypanosomes. There was 1.3 times likelihood of T. brucei infection to be present when Wolbachia was present and 1.7 likelihood of T. brucei infection when Sodalis was present. Overall findings suggest absence of correlation between the presence of tsetse endosymbionts and tsetse with trypanosome infection. Lastly, the presence of pathogenic trypanosomes in tsetse species examined provided insights into the risk communities face, and the importance of African trypanosomiasis in the area.
Cognitive bias modification for paranoia (CBM-pa): a randomised controlled feasibility study in patients with distressing paranoid beliefs
Authors: Yiend Jenny , Lam Charlene L. M. , Schmidt Nora , Crane Bryony , Heslin Margaret , Kabir Thomas , McGuire Philip , Meek Christopher , Mouchlianitis Elias , Peters Emmanuelle , Stahl Daniel , Trotta Antonella , Shergill Sukhwinder
Published: June 2022

Background

Cognitive Bias Modification for paranoia (CBM-pa) is a novel, theory-driven psychological intervention targeting the biased interpretation of emotional ambiguity associated with paranoia. Study objectives were (i) test the intervention's feasibility, (ii) provide effect size estimates, (iii) assess dose–response and (iv) select primary outcomes for future trials.

Methods

In a double-blind randomised controlled trial, sixty-three outpatients with clinically significant paranoia were randomised to either CBM-pa or an active control (text reading) between April 2016 and September 2017. Patients received one 40 min session per week for 6 weeks. Assessments were given at baseline, after each interim session, post-treatment, and at 1- and 3-months post-treatment.

Results

A total of 122 patients were screened and 63 were randomised. The recruitment rate was 51.2%, with few dropouts (four out of 63) and follow-up rates were 90.5% (1-month) and 93.7% (3-months). Each session took 30–40 min to complete. There was no statistical evidence of harmful effects of the intervention. Preliminary data were consistent with efficacy of CBM-pa over text-reading control: patients randomised to the intervention, compared to control patients, reported reduced interpretation bias (d = −0.48 to −0.76), improved symptoms of paranoia (d = −0.19 to −0.38), and lower depressed and anxious mood (d = −0.03 to −0.29). The intervention effect was evident after the third session.

Conclusions

CBM-pa is feasible for patients with paranoia. A fully powered randomised control trial is warranted.
Kinematic design of a novel Multi-legged robot with Rigid-flexible coupling grippers for asteroid exploration
Authors: Wen Qingpeng , He Jun , Gao Feng
Published: June 2022

Multi-legged robots with rigid-flexible coupling grippers have appealing applications to asteroid exploration with the microgravity. However, these robots usually have significantly complicated structures, which leads to a great challenge for the kinematic design.This paper proposes the kinematic design method for a novel multi-legged robot with the microspine gripper. First, the structure of the multi-legged asteroid exploration robot and the microspine gripper are demonstrated. Second, four performance evaluation indices, which are used to evaluate the stiffness, velocity, motion / force transfer efficiency and gripper attachment efficiency of the robot, are derived from the kinematic model. Non-dimensional design spaces of parameters to be optimized are drawn, and performance atlases are presented in design spaces. Third, the stiffness model of the microspine is derived. In addition, the constraint condition of the restoring spring is established, and the stiffness of restoring springs are optimized using the genetic algorithm. Several experiments are conducted to verify the stiffness model of the microspine. Finally, the prototype is developed and the experimental results validates the kinematic design method.
An Apology Leading to Dystopia: Or, Why Fuelling Climate Change Is Tortious
Authors: Burgers Laura
Published: June 2022

This invited response commentary engages with Benoit Mayer's case comment, published in this issue of Transnational Environmental Law, on the recent landmark decision by the District Court of The Hague (The Netherlands) of May 2021 in Milieudefensie v. Royal Dutch Shell. The Court ordered the oil giant Royal Dutch Shell to reduce at least 45% of its greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 compared with 2019 levels. In this response commentary I build on and contrast Mayer's examination of how the Court arrived at this target. In doing so, I discuss the normativity of tort law compared with international law against the background of the ideas of Martti Koskenniemi. I conclude that the District Court legitimately qualified Shell's business plans as tortious. The specific reduction target is the result of civil procedural rules on evidence and the debate between the parties. In the light of this analysis, I respectfully reject Benoit Mayer's suggestion that sectoral practices should play a more significant role in determining corporate climate mitigation obligations. In my view, such an approach would be dangerously apologetic and lead to dystopian outcomes.