bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High‐Performance BeMgZnO/ZnO Heterostructure Field‐Effect Transistors
Authors: Ding Kai , Avrutin Vitaliy , Izyumskaya Natalia , Özgür Ümit , Morkoç Hadis , Šermukšnis Emilis , Matulionis Arvydas
Published: October 2020

Herein, the growth and fabrication of BeMgZnO/ZnO heterostructure field‐effect transistors (HFETs) are reported on, as well as their direct current (DC) and radio frequency (RF) characterization. With a high 2D electron gas density of ≈8 × 1012 cm−2, made possible by BeO and MgO coalloying in the barrier, typical drain currents of 0.24 A mm−1 are obtained in Zn‐polar BeMgZnO/ZnO HFETs with a Be content of 2–3% and a Mg content below 30%. Typical on/off current ratios above 104, transconductance values of ≈50 mS mm−1, and current‐gain cutoff frequencies fT of 5.0 GHz, the highest among ZnO‐based FETs, are achieved in devices with a gate length of 1.5 μm using Al2O3 as the gate dielectric. An average electron velocity above 1 × 107 cm s−1, deduced from the bias‐dependent cutoff frequency and extraction of transit time under the gate, suggests that even with relatively long gate lengths the average electron velocity is near the theoretical limit (3.5 × 107 cm s−1) of the high peak velocity in ZnO.
Absence of Partial Amorphization in GeSbTe Chalcogenide Superlattices
Authors: Evang Valentin , Mazzarello Riccardo
Published: October 2020

Phase‐change materials (PCMs) are widely used for optical data storage due to their fast and reversible transitions between a crystalline and an amorphous phase that exhibit reflectivity contrast. In the last decade, PCMs have been found to be promising candidates for the development of nonvolatile electronic memories, as well. In this context, superlattices of thin layers of GeTe and Sb2Te3 show an unprecedented performance gain in terms of switching speed and power consumption with respect to bulk GeSbTe compounds. Models of crystalline–crystalline transitions, proposed to explain the improved properties, however, are challenged by recent experiments in which GeTe–Sb2Te3 superlattices are observed to reconfigure toward a van der Waals heterostructure of rhombohedral GeSbTe and Sb2Te3. Herein, ab initio molecular dynamics simulations are used to explore an alternative switching mechanism that comprises amorphous–crystalline transitions of ultrathin GeSbTe layers between crystalline Sb2Te3. Despite some positive results obtained by tailoring the quenching protocol, overall the extensive simulations do not yield clear evidence for this mechanism. Therefore, they suggest that the switching process probably involves a transition between two crystalline states.
TRAIL: A novel approach for studying the aerodynamics of ice particles
Authors: McCorquodale M. W. , Westbrook C. D.
Published: October 2020

A novel experimental approach for studying the aerodynamics of ice particles is presented. The Trajectory Reconstruction Algorithm implemented through Image anaLysis (TRAIL) produces digital reconstructions of the trajectory and orientation of 3D‐printed analogues of ice particles that fall through a quiescent viscous liquid. Data extracted from this analysis can be used to test fall speed parametrisations and investigate the preferred orientation of analogues with complex irregular geometries. Experiments using thin circular discs are used to validate this approach. Measurements from a case study in which an analogue of an aggregate ice particle is used are also reported. Data extracted from the analysis clearly demonstrate important, but poorly understood, aspects of the aerodynamics of atmospheric ice particles. For example, the orientation that the analogue adopts in free fall is shown to depend not only on the geometric shape of the particle, but also on the Reynolds number at which it falls. In addition, measurements of the drag coefficient indicate that the accuracy of fall speed parametrisations reduces at high Reynolds number due to the onset of unsteady motions.
TRAIL part 2: A comprehensive assessment of ice particle fall speed parametrisations
Authors: McCorquodale M. W. , Westbrook C. D.
Published: October 2020

Results are presented from a comprehensive experimental campaign studying the aerodynamics of 3D‐printed analogues of ice particles. Measurements of the drag coefficient of the analogues were acquired by using a novel experimental approach to digitally reconstruct the analogues' trajectory and orientation as they fall through a quiescent viscous liquid, using images acquired by a series of digital cameras. The data are used to evaluate commonly used parametrisations of ice particle fall speeds. We find that the accuracy of each of the parametrisations reduces at Reynolds numbers greater than approximately 100, as a result of effects associated with the onset of unsteady oscillating, fluttering or tumbling motions as the analogues fall. We propose a new fall speed parametrisation that predicts the measured drag coefficients at high Reynolds number with an accuracy consistent with that of the leading parametrisation at low Reynolds number.
Comparison of KD‐SR‐01 robotic partial nephrectomy and 3D‐laparoscopic partial nephrectomy from an operative and ergonomic perspective: A prospective randomized controlled study in porcine models
Authors: Dai Xiaofei , Fan Shubo , Hao Han , Yang Kunlin , Shen Cheng , Xiong Gengyan , Li Xueying , Cui Liang , Li Xuesong , Zhou Liqun
Published: October 2020

Background

To investigate the feasibility, validity and security of a new robot platform called KD‐SR‐01 and compare relative merits of KD‐SR‐01 robotic partial nephrectomy (KD‐RPN) and 3D‐Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomy (3D‐LPN).

Methods

Twelve porcine models were randomly and equally divided for KD‐RPN and 3D‐LPN. The perioperative outcomes, physical and mental workload of the surgeon were compared. Physical workload was evaluated with surface electromyography. Mental workload was evaluated with National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task Load Index (NASA‐TLX).

Results

All surgeries were performed successfully. The average docking time of KD‐RPN was 6 min. The estimated blood loss was lower in KD‐RPN (p < 0.05). There were no differences in all the other operative variables (p > 0.05). KD‐RPN showed advantages in physical workload and was significantly superior in mental workload (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

KD‐RPN is technically feasible, valid and safe in porcine models. It's comparable from operative perspective while KD‐RPN had advantages over 3D‐LPN from ergonomic perspective.
Ramsey games near the critical threshold
Authors: Conlon David , Das Shagnik , Lee Joonkyung , Mészáros Tamás
Published: October 2020

A well‐known result of Rödl and Ruciński states that for any graph H there exists a constant C such that if , then the random graph Gn, p is a.a.s. H‐Ramsey, that is, any 2‐coloring of its edges contains a monochromatic copy of H. Aside from a few simple exceptions, the corresponding 0‐statement also holds, that is, there exists c > 0 such that whenever the random graph Gn, p is a.a.s. not H‐Ramsey. We show that near this threshold, even when Gn, p is not H‐Ramsey, it is often extremely close to being H‐Ramsey. More precisely, we prove that for any constant c > 0 and any strictly 2‐balanced graph H, if , then the random graph Gn, p a.a.s. has the property that every 2‐edge‐coloring without monochromatic copies of H cannot be extended to an H‐free coloring after extra random edges are added. This generalizes a result by Friedgut, Kohayakawa, Rödl, Ruciński, and Tetali, who in 2002 proved the same statement for triangles, and addresses a question raised by those authors. We also extend a result of theirs on the three‐color case and show that these theorems need not hold when H is not strictly 2‐balanced.
Selection models for efficient two‐phase design of family studies
Authors: Zhong Yujie , Cook Richard J.
Published: October 2020

Family studies routinely employ biased sampling schemes in which individuals are randomly chosen from a disease registry and genetic and phenotypic data are obtained from their consenting relatives. We view this as a two‐phase study and propose the use of an efficient selection model for the recruitment of families to form a phase II sample subject to budgetary constraints. Simple random sampling, balanced sampling and use of an approximately optimal selection model are considered where the latter is chosen to minimize the variance of parameters of interest. We consider the setting where family members provide current status data with respect to the disease and use copula models to address within‐family dependence. The efficiency gains from the use of an optimal selection model over simple random sampling and balanced sampling schemes are investigated as is the robustness of optimal sampling to model misspecification. An application to a family study on psoriatic arthritis is given for illustration.
Flexible Fringe Effect Capacitive Sensors with Simultaneous High‐Performance Contact and Non‐Contact Sensing Capabilities
Authors: Ruth Sara Rachel Arussy , Feig Vivian Rachel , Kim Min-gu , Khan Yasser , Phong Jason Khoi , Bao Zhenan
Published: October 2020

To mimic human touch sensing, robotics must be able to leverage multiple sensory inputs. Previously, to achieve both proximity and pressure sensing, most approaches have required using two separate sensors, each with their corresponding electronics, limiting the achievable density. More recently, sensors with multifunctional pressure and proximity capabilities have been realized at the cost of compromised pressure sensing. Presented here is a new design for a multifunctional interdigitated fringe field capacitive pressure sensor with a pyramid microstructured dielectric layer that has proximity‐sensing capabilities (noncontact mode) while also sensing pressure (contact mode) as strongly as an equivalent parallel plate capacitive sensor of the same size. In contact mode, both sensors have a response time of less than 20 ms and can respond to loads lighter than 0.5 Pa. Further, the interdigitated fringe field sensor can clearly distinguish between the two sensing modes, as well as between conductive and nonconductive materials in the noncontact mode. Finally, we use the interdigitated fringe field sensor to demonstrate both proximity and high‐sensitivity pressure sensing on a robotic gripper.
Compressive strength of core specimens drilled from concrete test cylinders
Authors: Haavisto Jukka , Husso Ari , Laaksonen Anssi
Published: October 2020

The compressive strength of concrete is highly influenced by the properties of test specimens, such as size and moisture content. This paper presents the results of compression tests on more than 650 test specimens made with four different concrete types, which are mainly air‐entrained. The differences in compressive strength between different types of concrete specimens were investigated with similar compaction and curing conditions. The tested specimens were 50 × 50 mm, 80 × 80 mm, 100 × 100 mm, and 150 × 300 mm cores, which were drilled from the cast cylinders. In addition, 150‐mm cubes, 100 × 100 mm and 150 × 300 mm cylinders were included in the test programme. The ratios of compressive strength between different core sizes and core strength comparability to the cast specimens were found to be strongly dependent on the concrete type. Drilling was found to have a clear weakening effect on obtained compressive strength. The conversion factors for the compressive strength between the core and the same size cast specimen was proposed for 150 × 300 mm and 100 × 100 mm specimen sizes.
CCCDTD5 recommendations on early non cognitive markers of dementia: A Canadian consensus
Authors: Montero‐Odasso Manuel , Pieruccini‐Faria Frederico , Ismail Zahinoor , Li Karen , Lim Andrew , Phillips Natalie , Kamkar Nellie , Sarquis‐Adamson Yanina , Speechley Mark , Theou Olga , Verghese Joe , Wallace Lindsay , Camicioli Richard
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Cognitive impairment is the hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related dementias. However, motor decline has been recently described as a prodromal state that can help to detect at‐risk individuals. Similarly, sensory changes, sleep and behavior disturbances, and frailty have been associated with higher risk of developing dementia. These clinical findings, together with the recognition that AD pathology precedes the diagnosis by many years, raises the possibility that non‐cognitive changes may be early and non‐invasive markers for AD or, even more provocatively, that treating non‐cognitive aspects may help to prevent or treat AD and related dementias.

Methods

A subcommittee of the Canadian Consensus Conference on Diagnosis and Treatment of Dementia reviewed areas of emerging evidence for non‐cognitive markers of dementia. We examined the literature for five non‐cognitive domains associated with future dementia: motor, sensory (hearing, vision, olfaction), neuro‐behavioral, frailty, and sleep. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation system was used to assign the strength of the evidence and quality of the recommendations. We provide recommendations to primary care clinics and to specialized memory clinics, answering the following main questions: (1) What are the non‐cognitive and functional changes associated with risk of developing dementia? and (2) What is the evidence that sensory, motor, behavioral, sleep, and frailty markers can serve as potential predictors of dementia?

Results

Evidence supported that gait speed, dual‐task gait speed, grip strength, frailty, neuropsychiatric symptoms, sleep measures, and hearing loss are predictors of dementia. There was insufficient evidence for recommending assessing olfactory and vision impairments as a predictor of dementia.

Conclusions

Non‐cognitive markers can assist in identifying people at risk for cognitive decline or dementia. These non‐cognitive markers may represent prodromal symptoms and several of them are potentially amenable to treatment that might delay the onset of cognitive decline.
Mathematical modeling and fuzzy proportional–integral–derivative scheme to control the yaw motion of a wind turbine
Authors: Campos‐Mercado Eduardo , Cerecero‐Natale Luis F. , Garcia‐Salazar Octavio , Abundis Fong Hugo F. , Wood David
Published: October 2020

In this paper, we present a mathematical model and control strategy to regulate the yaw of a horizontal axis wind turbine. In order to obtain the dynamic equations of the yaw motion, the mathematical model is developed using the Euler–Lagrange formulation and considers the wind turbine as a manipulator robot with three degrees of freedom (DOF). A fuzzy proportional‐integral‐derivative (PID) controller is proposed to manipulate the yaw angle for power regulation. In addition, we have developed a low cost experimental platform to implement the designed controller to obtain experimental results for the dynamic behavior of the closed‐loop system.
The averaged null energy conditions in even dimensional curved spacetimes from AdS/CFT duality
Authors: Iizuka Norihiro , Ishibashi Akihiro , Maeda Kengo
Published: October 2020

Abstract

We consider averaged null energy conditions (ANEC) for strongly coupled quantum field theories in even (two and four) dimensional curved spacetimes by applying the no-bulk-shortcut principle in the context of the AdS/CFT duality. In the same context but in odd-dimensions, the present authors previously derived a conformally invariant averaged null energy condition (CANEC), which is a version of the ANEC with a certain weight function for conformal invariance. In even-dimensions, however, one has to deal with gravitational conformal anomalies, which make relevant formulas much more complicated than the odd-dimensional case. In two-dimensions, we derive the ANEC by applying the no-bulk-shortcut principle. In four-dimensions, we derive an inequality which essentially provides the lower-bound for the ANEC with a weight function. For this purpose, and also to get some geometric insights into gravitational conformal anomalies, we express the stress-energy formulas in terms of geometric quantities such as the expansions of boundary null geodesics and a quasi-local mass of the boundary geometry. We argue when the lowest bound is achieved and also discuss when the averaged value of the null energy can be negative, considering a simple example of a spatially compact universe with wormhole throat.
Symmetries at null boundaries: two and three dimensional gravity cases
Authors: Adami H. , Sheikh-Jabbari M.M. , Taghiloo V. , Yavartanoo H. , Zwikel C.
Published: October 2020

Abstract

We carry out in full generality and without fixing specific boundary conditions, the symmetry and charge analysis near a generic null surface for two and three dimensional (2dand 3d) gravity theories. In 2dand 3dthere are respectively two and three charges which are generic functions over the codimension one null surface. The integrability of charges and their algebra depend on the state-dependence of symmetry generators which is a priori not specified. We establish the existence of infinitely many choices that render the surface charges integrable. We show that there is a choice, the “fundamental basis”, where the null boundary symmetry algebra is the Heisenberg⊕Diff(d −2) algebra. We expect this result to be true ford >3 when there is no Bondi news through the null surface.
The action of the Virasoro algebra in the two-dimensional Potts and loop models at generic Q
Authors: Grans-Samuelsson Linnea , Liu Lawrence , He Yifei , Jacobsen Jesper Lykke , Saleur Hubert
Published: October 2020

Abstract

The spectrum of conformal weights for the CFT describing the two-dimensional critical Q-state Potts model (or its close cousin, the dense loop model) has been known for more than 30 years [1]. However, the exact nature of the corresponding Vir ⊗ $$ \overline{\mathrm{Vir}} $$

Vir
¯

representations has remained unknown up to now. Here, we solve the problem for generic values of Q. This is achieved by a mixture of different techniques: a careful study of “Koo-Saleur generators” [2], combined with measurements of four-point amplitudes, on the numerical side, and OPEs and the four-point amplitudes recently determined using the “interchiral conformal bootstrap” in [3] on the analytical side. We find that null-descendants of diagonal fields having weights (hr,1, hr,1) (with r ∈ ℕ*) are truly zero, so these fields come with simple Vir ⊗ $$ \overline{\mathrm{Vir}} $$

Vir
¯

(“Kac”) modules. Meanwhile, fields with weights (hr,s, hr,−s) and (hr,−s, hr,s) (with r, s ∈ ℕ*) come in indecomposable but not fully reducible representations mixing four simple Vir ⊗ $$ \overline{\mathrm{Vir}} $$

Vir
¯

modules with a familiar “diamond” shape. The “top” and “bottom” fields in these diamonds have weights (hr,−s, hr,−s), and form a two-dimensional Jordan cell for L0 and $$ {\overline{L}}_0 $$

L
¯

0

. This establishes, among other things, that the Potts-model CFT is logarithmic for Q generic. Unlike the case of non-generic (root of unity) values of Q, these indecomposable structures are not present in finite size, but we can nevertheless show from the numerical study of the lattice model how the rank-two Jordan cells build up in the infinite-size limit.
A connection between flavour anomaly, neutrino mass, and axion
Authors: Baek Seungwon
Published: October 2020

Abstract

We propose a minimal model in which the flavour anomaly in theb → sμ+μ−transition is connected to the breaking of Peccei-Quinn (PQ) symmetry. The flavour anomaly is explained from new physics contribution by introducing one generation of heavy quark and heavy lepton which are vector-like under the standard model (SM) gauge group but charged under a local U(1)Xgroup. They mix with the SM quarks and leptons, inducing flavour-changingZ′couplings, which generates theb → sμ+μ−anomaly at tree level. On the other hand the new fermions are chiral under the global Peccei-Quinn(PQ) symmetry. The pseudo-Goldstone boson coming from the spontaneous breaking of the PQ symmetry becomes an axion, solving the strong CP problem and providing a cold dark matter candidate. The same symmetry prevents the right-handed neutrino from having a Majorana mass term. But the introduction of a neutrino-specific Higgs doublet allows neutrino to have Dirac mass term without fine-tuning problem. The model shows an interplay between axion, neutrino, dark matter, and flavour physics.
Thermo-mechanical aspects of cutting forces and tool wear in the laser-assisted turning of Ti-6Al-4V titanium alloy using AlTiN coated cutting tools
Authors: Habrat Witold , Krupa Krzysztof , Markopoulos Angelos P. , Karkalos Nikolaos E.
Published: October 2020

Machining of hard-to-cut materials with conventional processes is still considered as a challenge, as the special properties of these materials often lead to rapid tool wear and reduced surface integrity. For that reason, it is preferable to combine conventional machining processes with other technologies in order to overcome the problems of machining these materials. In the present work, laser-assisted turning experiments on a Ti-6Al-4V workpiece were conducted using AlTiN coated cutting tools in order to investigate the effect of laser heating on cutting forces, cutting temperature, tool wear and microstructure alterations. Two series of experiments were performed under varying cutting speed, laser spot diameter and workpiece diameter values; the first series involved only laser heating of the workpiece and the second both laser heating and cutting. The findings revealed the effect of process parameters on cutting forces and temperature determining the importance of workpiece diameter size, indicated the formation of martensite phase at the top of the heat-affected zone of the workpiece and also showed that high temperatures can lead to intensive tool wear, instead of having a beneficial effect for the cutting tool. Finally, finite element (FE) simulations were carried out in order to study the time evolution of the temperature field and calculate the heating and cooling rates during the process. From the FE results, relatively high heating and cooling rates were observed for smaller workpiece diameters and lower cutting speed, whereas the high magnitude of these rates justified the creation of the martensite phase through a diffusionless transformation.
Hevea brasiliensis coniferaldehyde-5-hydroxylase (HbCAld5H) regulates xylogenesis, structure and lignin chemistry of xylem cell wall in Nicotiana tabacum
Authors: Pramod S. , Saha Thakurdas , Rekha K. , Kavi Kishor P. B.
Published: October 2020

Key message

The HbCAld5H1 gene cloned from Hevea brasiliensis regulates the cambial activity, xylem differentiation, syringyl–guaiacyl ratio, secondary wall structure, lignification pattern and xylan distribution in xylem fibres of transgenic tobacco plants.

Molecular characterization of lignin biosynthesis gene coniferaldehyde-5-hydroxylase (CAld5H)fromHevea brasiliensisand its functional validation was performed. Both sense and antisense constructs ofHbCAld5H1gene were introduced into tobacco throughAgrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation for over expression and down-regulation of this key enzyme to understand its role affecting structural and cell wall chemistry. The anatomical studies of transgenic tobacco plants revealed the increase of cambial activity leading to xylogenesis in sense lines and considerable reduction in antisense lines. The ultra-structural studies showed that the thickness of secondary wall (S2 layer) of fibre had been decreased with non-homogenous lignin distribution in antisense lines, while sense lines showed an increase in S2 layer thickness. Maule color reaction revealed that syringyl lignin distribution in the xylem elements was increased in sense and decreased in antisense lines. The immunoelectron microscopy revealed a reduction in LM 10 and LM 11 labelling in the secondary wall of antisense tobacco lines. Biochemical studies showed a radical increase in syringyl lignin in sense lines without any significant change in total lignin content, while S/G ratio decreased considerably in antisense lines. Our results suggest thatCAld5Hgene plays an important role in xylogenesis stages such as cambial cell division, secondary wall thickness, xylan and syringyl lignin distribution in tobacco. Therefore,CAld5Hgene could be considered as a promising target for lignin modification essential for timber quality improvement in rubber.
Three-dimensional modeling and automatic analysis of the human nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses using the computational fluid dynamics method
Authors: Tretiakow Dmitry , Tesch Krzysztof , Meyer-Szary Jarosław , Markiet Karolina , Skorek Andrzej
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The goal of this study was to develop a complete workflow allowing for conducting computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation of airflow through the upper airways based on computed tomography (CT) and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) studies of individual adult patients.

Methods

This study is based on CT images of 16 patients. Image processing and model generation of the human nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses were performed using open-source and freeware software. 3-D Slicer was used primarily for segmentation and new surface model generation. Further processing was done using Autodesk® Meshmixer TM. The governing equations are discretized by means of the finite volume method. Subsequently, the corresponding algebraic equation systems were solved by OpenFOAM software.

Results

We described the protocol for the preparation of a 3-D model of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses and highlighted several problems that the future researcher may encounter. The CFD results were presented based on examples of 3-D models of the patient 1 (norm) and patient 2 (pathological changes).

Conclusion

The short training time for new user without a prior experience in image segmentation and 3-D mesh editing is an important advantage of this type of research. Both CBCT and CT are useful for model building. However, CBCT may have limitations. The Q criterion in CFD illustrates the considerable complication of the nasal flow and allows for direct evaluation and quantitative comparison of various flows and can be used for the assessment of nasal airflow.
Perinatal factors contributing to chronic kidney disease in a cohort of Japanese children with very low birth weight
Authors: Uemura Osamu , Ishikura Kenji , Kaneko Tetsuji , Hirano Daishi , Hamasaki Yuko , Ogura Masao , Mikami Naoaki , Gotoh Yoshimitsu , Sahashi Takeshi , Fujita Naoya , Yamamoto Masaki , Hibino Satoshi , Nakano Masaru , Wakano Yasuhiro , Honda Masataka
Published: October 2020

Background

Developmental programming of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in young adults is linked to preterm birth and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Which confers a higher risk of progression to chronic kidney damage in children with very low birth weight (VLBW; born weighing < 1500 g): prematurity or IUGR?

Methods

This is a national historical cohort study of children with VLBW cared for in perinatal medical centers in Japan. Predictive factors included three latent variables (prematurity, IUGR, stress during neonatal period) and eight observed variables (gestational age, birth weight Z-score, maternal age, duration of treatment with antibiotics and diuretics, maternal smoking, late-onset circulatory collapse, kidney dysfunction) during the perinatal period. The primary endpoint was estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) at age ≥ 3 years. A structural equation model was used to examine the pathologic constitution.

Results

The 446 children with VLBW included 253 boys and 193 girls, of mean age 5.8 ± 2.6 years and mean eGFR 111.7 ml/min/1.73 m2 at last encounter. Pathway analyses showed intrauterine malnutrition (β = 0.85) contributed more to chronic kidney damage than stress during the neonatal period (β = − 0.19) and prematurity (β = 0.12), and kidney dysfunction and late-onset circulatory collapse were important observed variables in stress during the neonatal period.

Conclusions

IUGR was more harmful to future kidneys of VLBW neonates. Neonatal kidney dysfunction and late-onset circulatory collapse were important risk factors for subsequent CKD development. This emphasizes the need for obstetricians to monitor for fetal growth restriction and neonatologists to minimize neonatal stress to prevent CKD in later life.
Patient preferences for allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation: how much benefit is worthwhile from the patient’s perspective?
Authors: Leuthold Nicolas , Cattaneo Marco , Halter Jörg , Hügli Claudia , Kirsch Monika , Petropoulou Anna , Erlanger Tobias E. , Gerull Sabine , Passweg Jakob , O’Meara Stern Alix
Published: October 2020

Oncological studies have shown that patients consider small benefits sufficient to make adjuvant chemotherapy worthwhile. We sought to determine the minimal survival benefits that patients considered enough to legitimate allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT) and the factors associated with patient preferences. One hundred eighty-four patients having previously received allogeneic HCT at our centre were included and completed a questionnaire exploring patient expectations elicited by time trade-off scenarios as well as quality of life (QoL), symptoms of graft-versus host disease (GvHD) and sociodemographic characteristics. The majority of patients considered a minimal survival benefit of at least 5 (38.6%) or 10 years (41.9%) sufficient to justify HCT, with less than 5% considering survival < 1 year sufficient to warrant HCT. In terms of minimal cure rate, a cumulative 14.8% of patients accepted cure rates below 30% and 30.6% rates below 50%. Likelihood-ratio tests were significant for the effect of age at transplant on expected minimal survival (p = 0.007) and cure rates (p = 0.0001); that is, younger patients at HCT were more likely to accept smaller survival and cure rates. Pre-transplant risk score, QoL, GvHD score and sociological factors did not seem to influence patients’ expectations. In conclusion, patient expectations of treatment were much higher than what had been reported in oncological studies. Patients who experienced HCT considered a survival superior to 1 year and cure rates above 50% sufficient to make it worthwhile. Younger patients were more likely to accept smaller benefits; no other predictors for preferences could be detected.
Social viewing in cinematic virtual reality: a design space for social movie applications
Authors: Rothe Sylvia , Schmidt Alexander , Montagud Mario , Buschek Daniel , Hußmann Heinrich
Published: October 2020

Since watching movies is a social experience for most people, it is important to know how an application should be designed for enabling shared cinematic virtual reality (CVR) experiences via head-mounted displays (HMDs). Viewers can feel isolated when watching omnidirectional movies with HMDs. Even if they are watching the movie simultaneously, they do not automatically see the same field of view, since they can freely choose their viewing direction. Our goal is to explore interaction techniques to efficiently support social viewing and to improve social movie experiences in CVR. Based on the literature review and insights from earlier work, we identify seven challenges that need to be addressed: communication, field-of-view (FoV) awareness, togetherness, accessibility, interaction techniques, synchronization, and multiuser environments. We investigate four aspects (voice chat, sending emotion states, FoV indication, and video chat) to address some of the challenges and report the results of four user studies. Finally, we present and discuss a design space for CVR social movie applications and highlight directions for future work.
The influence of inlet velocity profile on predicted flow in type B aortic dissection
Authors: Armour Chlöe Harriet , Guo Baolei , Pirola Selene , Saitta Simone , Liu Yifan , Dong Zhihui , Xu Xiao Yun
Published: October 2020

In order for computational fluid dynamics to provide quantitative parameters to aid in the clinical assessment of type B aortic dissection, the results must accurately mimic the hemodynamic environment within the aorta. The choice of inlet velocity profile (IVP) therefore is crucial; however, idealised profiles are often adopted, and the effect of IVP on hemodynamics in a dissected aorta is unclear. This study examined two scenarios with respect to the influence of IVP—using (a) patient-specific data in the form of a three-directional (3D), through-plane (TP) or flat IVP; and (b) non-patient-specific flow waveform. The results obtained from nine simulations using patient-specific data showed that all forms of IVP were able to reproduce global flow patterns as observed with 4D flow magnetic resonance imaging. Differences in maximum velocity and time-averaged wall shear stress near the primary entry tear were up to 3% and 6%, respectively, while pressure differences across the true and false lumen differed by up to 6%. More notable variations were found in regions of low wall shear stress when the primary entry tear was close to the left subclavian artery. The results obtained with non-patient-specific waveforms were markedly different. Throughout the aorta, a 25% reduction in stroke volume resulted in up to 28% and 35% reduction in velocity and wall shear stress, respectively, while the shape of flow waveform had a profound influence on the predicted pressure. The results of this study suggest that 3D, TP and flat IVPs all yield reasonably similar velocity and time-averaged wall shear stress results, but TP IVPs should be used where possible for better prediction of pressure. In the absence of patient-specific velocity data, effort should be made to acquire patient’s stroke volume and adjust the applied IVP accordingly.
Thermal instability of a viscoelastic fluid in a fluid-porous system with a plane Poiseuille flow
Authors: Yin Chen , Wang Chunwu , Wang Shaowei
Published: October 2020

The thermal convection of a Jeffreys fluid subjected to a plane Poiseuille flow in a fluid-porous system composed of a fluid layer and a porous layer is studied in the paper. A linear stability analysis and a Chebyshev τ-QZ algorithm are employed to solve the thermal mixed convection. Unlike the case in a single layer, the neutral curves of the two-layer system may be bi-modal in the proper depth ratio of the two layers. We find that the longitudinal rolls (LRs) only depend on the depth ratio. With the existence of the shear flow, the effects of the depth ratio, the Reynolds number, the Prandtl number, the stress relaxation, and strain retardation times on the transverse rolls (TRs) are also studied. Additionally, the thermal instability of the viscoelastic fluid is found to be more unstable than that of the Newtonian fluid in a two-layer system. In contrast to the case for Newtonian fluids, the TRs rather than the LRs may be the preferred mode for the viscoelastic fluids in some cases.
New groups of solutions to the Whitham-Broer-Kaup equation
Authors: Wang Yaji , Xu Hang , Sun Q.
Published: October 2020

The Whitham-Broer-Kaup model is widely used to study the tsunami waves. The classical Whitham-Broer-Kaup equations are re-investigated in detail by the generalized projective Riccati-equation method. 20 sets of solutions are obtained of which, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, some have not been reported in literature. Bifurcation analysis of the planar dynamical systems is then used to show different phase portraits of the traveling wave solutions under various parametric conditions.
Cluster-based information retrieval using pattern mining
Authors: Djenouri Youcef , Belhadi Asma , Djenouri Djamel , Lin Jerry Chun-Wei
Published: October 2020

This paper addresses the problem of responding to user queries by fetching the most relevant object from a clustered set of objects. It addresses the common drawbacks of cluster-based approaches and targets fast, high-quality information retrieval. For this purpose, a novel cluster-based information retrieval approach is proposed, named Cluster-based Retrieval using Pattern Mining (CRPM). This approach integrates various clustering and pattern mining algorithms. First, it generates clusters of objects that contain similar objects. Three clustering algorithms based on k-means, DBSCAN (Density-based spatial clustering of applications with noise), and Spectral are suggested to minimize the number of shared terms among the clusters of objects. Second, frequent and high-utility pattern mining algorithms are performed on each cluster to extract the pattern bases. Third, the clusters of objects are ranked for every query. In this context, two ranking strategies are proposed: i) Score Pattern Computing (SPC), which calculates a score representing the similarity between a user query and a cluster; and ii) Weighted Terms in Clusters (WTC), which calculates a weight for every term and uses the relevant terms to compute the score between a user query and each cluster. Irrelevant information derived from the pattern bases is also used to deal with unexpected user queries. To evaluate the proposed approach, extensive experiments were carried out on two use cases: the documents and tweets corpus. The results showed that the designed approach outperformed traditional and cluster-based information retrieval approaches in terms of the quality of the returned objects while being very competitive in terms of runtime.
Cross-border acquisition activity by Chinese multinationals and domestic-productivity upgrading
Authors: Guo Wenxin , Clougherty Joseph A.
Published: October 2020

We investigate the impact of cross-border acquisition activity on the domestic productivity of Chinese multinationals. Chinese MNEs have engaged in cross-border acquisitions in an attempt to explore for new capabilities, technologies and management practices so as to enhance productivity and compete in increasingly competitive domestic markets. Empirical scholarship, however, has yet to establish that cross-border acquisition activity by emerging-market multinationals generally contributes to domestic-productivity upgrading, as learning from foreign-acquisition targets, transferring and assimilating this learning, and ultimately upgrading the productivity of home operations represents a challenging and complicated process. We accordingly apply and advance the literature on reverse-knowledge transfers and capability upgrading by first considering the relevance of cross-border acquisition activities on domestic productivity in an emerging-market context, and by second extending the literature’s understanding of the target-firm characteristics which abet domestic-productivity upgrading. Employing firm-level panel data based on 329 Chinese multinationals over the 2000–2010 period, we find outward cross-border acquisition activities generate increased domestic productivity. In addition, we find domestic-productivity upgrading to be larger when acquiring high-tech (versus low-tech) targets and that this effect is further enhanced when acquiring related (versus unrelated) targets.
Fragmented dry grasslands preserve unique components of plant species and phylogenetic diversity in agricultural landscapes
Authors: Deák Balázs , Rádai Zoltán , Lukács Katalin , Kelemen András , Kiss Réka , Bátori Zoltán , Kiss Péter János , Valkó Orsolya
Published: October 2020

In intensively used landscapes biodiversity is often restricted to fragmented habitats. Exploring the biodiversity potential of habitat fragments is essential in order to reveal their complementary role in maintaining landscape-scale biodiversity. We investigated the conservation potential of dry grassland fragments in the Great Hungarian Plain, i.e. patch-like habitats on ancient burial mounds and linear-shaped habitats in verges, and compared them to continuous grasslands. We focused on plant taxonomic diversity, species richness of specialists, generalists and weeds, and the phylogenetic diversity conserved in the habitats. Verges meshing the landscape are characterised by a small core area and high level of disturbance. Their species pool was more similar to grasslands than mounds due to the lack of dispersal limitations. They held high species richness of weeds and generalists and only few specialists. Verges preserved only a small proportion of the evolutionary history of specialists, which were evenly distributed between the clades. Isolated mounds are characterised by a small area, a high level of environmental heterogeneity, and a low level of disturbance. Steep slopes of species accumulation curves suggest that high environmental heterogeneity likely contributes to the high species richness of specialists on mounds. Mounds preserved the same amount of phylogenetic diversity represented by the branch-lengths as grasslands. Abundance-weighted evolutionary distinctiveness of specialists was more clustered in these habitats due to the special habitat conditions. For the protection of specialists in transformed landscapes it is essential to focus efforts on preserving both patch-like and linear grassland fragments containing additional components of biodiversity.
Commentary: 20 years online with “Your Disease Risk”
Authors: Colditz Graham A. , Dart Hank
Published: October 2020

The Your Disease Risk tool (yourdiseaserisk.wustl.edu) went live to the public in January 2000 and was one of the first personalized health risk assessment sites on the Internet. Its launch marked the culmination of years of work by a large, multi-disciplinary university team whose primary goal was to translate the science on cancer prevention into accurate, engaging, and useful messages for the public. Today, 20 years on, Your Disease Risk has expanded from its initial four cancers to include 18 different tools designed for today’s users. This commentary reviews important moments and lessons learned in the first two decades of Your Disease Risk.
Swelling of individual cellulose nanofibrils in water, role of crystallinity: an AFM study
Authors: Ottesen Vegar , Syverud Kristin
Published: October 2020

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) can be used to quantitatively study nanomaterials in different media, e.g. vacuum, air, or submerged in a liquid.
A technique was developed to study swelling of individual cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) using AFM.
As a case study, CNFs with different degrees of crystallinity (DoC) were examined for swellability going from dry to wet (submerged in de-ionized water). Swelling was found to depend on DoC, but no significant correlation between fibril diameter and swellability was seen. Upon introduction of de-ionized water high DoC samples ($$65\pm 2\%$$

65
±
2
%

) were found to have a diameter increase of 34% on average, whereas low DoC ($$44\pm 2\%$$

44
±
2
%

) were found to have a diameter increase of 44% on average. A tested control, consisting of platinum nanowires on silisium, did not swell.

Graphic abstract
Warming winters threaten peripheral Arctic charr populations of Europe
Authors: Kelly Seán , Moore Tadhg N. , de Eyto Elvira , Dillane Mary , Goulon Chloé , Guillard Jean , Lasne Emilien , McGinnity Phil , Poole Russell , Winfield Ian J. , Woolway R. Iestyn , Jennings Eleanor
Published: October 2020

As the global climate warms, the fate of lacustrine fish is of huge concern, especially given their sensitivity as ectotherms to changes in water temperature. The Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinusL.) is a salmonid with a Holarctic distribution, with peripheral populations persisting at temperate latitudes, where it is found only in sufficiently cold, deep lakes. Thus, warmer temperatures in these habitats particularly during early life stages could have catastrophic consequences on population dynamics. Here, we combined lake temperature observations, a 1-D hydrodynamic model, and a multi-decadal climate reanalysis to show coherence in warming winter water temperatures in four European charr lakes near the southernmost limit of the species’ distribution. Current maximum and mean winter temperatures are on average ~ 1 °C warmer compared to early the 1980s, and temperatures of 8.5 °C, adverse for high charr egg survival, have frequently been exceeded in recent winters. Simulations of winter lake temperatures toward century-end showed that these warming trends will continue, with further increases of 3–4 °C projected. An additional 324 total accumulated degree-days during winter is projected on average across lakes, which could impair egg quality and viability. We suggest that the perpetuating winter warming trends shown here will imperil the future status of these lakes as charr refugia and generally do not augur well for the fate of coldwater-adapted lake fish in a warming climate.
Emotion-Regulation in Psychosis: Patients with Psychotic Disorders Apply Reappraisal Successfully
Authors: Opoka Sandra M. , Sundag Johanna , Riehle Marcel , Lincoln Tania M.
Published: October 2020

Background

Emotion-regulation is assumed to be impaired in psychosis: patients with psychotic disorders (PD) self-report to use reappraisal less frequently than healthy controls (HC), but it is uncertain whether they are also less successful in applying reappraisal. Moreover, it has not been investigated whether the habitual use of reappraisal is associated with the ability to use reappraisal successfully.

Methods

To address these questions, PD (n = 60), a clinical control group of patients with anxiety disorders (AD; n = 40) and HC (n = 40) completed questionnaires on habitual emotion-regulation and alexithymia, performed tests on neurocognitive functioning and jumping-to-conclusion bias, and were subjected to an emotion-regulation paradigm, in which they were asked to down-regulate induced anxiety and sadness.

Results

No differences were found between PD and HC regarding the habitual use of reappraisal, but PD reported to use reappraisal more frequently than AD. All groups were able to down-regulate anxiety and sadness via reappraisal following instructions. The habitual use of reappraisal and the reduction of anxiety and sadness after instruction were uncorrelated.

Conclusion

These findings question the common assumption that PD use reappraisal less often or less successfully. At least under laboratory condition, PD do not appear to be impaired in reducing negative affect via reappraisal successfully.
Correction to: On the feasibility of automated prediction of bug and non-bug issues
Authors: Herbold Steffen , Trautsch Alexander , Trautsch Fabian
Published: October 2020

The original version of this article unfortunately contained mistakes. Figures 8, 9 and 10 were incorrectly captured. Somehow, the plots in Fig. 8 were replaced with those from Fig. 9 and the original Fig. 8 was lost.