bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distress severity in perceptual anomalies moderates the relationship between prefrontal brain structure and psychosis proneness in nonclinical individuals
Authors: Evermann Ulrika , Schmitt Simon , Meller Tina , Pfarr Julia-Katharina , Grezellschak Sarah , Nenadić Igor
Published: February 2021

In the general population, psychosis risk phenotypes occur independently of attenuated prodromal syndromes. Neurobiological correlates of vulnerability could help to understand their meaningfulness. Interactions between the occurrence of psychotic-like experiences (PLE) and other psychological factors e.g., distress related to PLE, may distinguish psychosis-prone individuals from those without risk of future psychotic disorder. We aimed to investigate whether (a) correlates of total PLE and distress, and (b) symptom dimension-specific moderation effects exist at the brain structural level in non-help-seeking adults reporting PLE below and above the screening criterion for clinical high-risk (CHR). We obtained T1-weighted whole-brain MRI scans from 104 healthy adults from the community without psychosis CHR states for voxel-based morphometry (VBM). Brain structural associations with PLE and PLE distress were analysed with multiple linear regression models. Moderation of PLE by distress severity of two types of positive symptoms from the Prodromal Questionnaire (PQ-16) screening inventory was explored in regions-of-interest after VBM. Total PQ-16 score was positively associated with grey matter volume (GMV) in prefrontal regions, occipital fusiform and lingual gyri (p < 0.05, FDR peak-level corrected). Overall distress severity and GMV were not associated. Examination of distress severity on the positive symptom dimensions as moderators showed reduced strength of the association between PLE and rSFG volume with increased distress severity for perceptual PLE. In this study, brain structural variation was related to PLE level, but not distress severity, suggesting specificity. In healthy individuals, positive relationships between PLE and prefrontal volumes may indicate protective features, which supports the insufficiency of PLE for the prediction of CHR. Additional indicators of vulnerability, such as distress associated with perceptual PLE, change the positive brain structure relationship. Brain structural findings may strengthen clinical objectives through disentanglement of innocuous and risk-related PLE.
Boundedness for a Fully Parabolic Keller–Segel Model with Sublinear Segregation and Superlinear Aggregation
Authors: Frassu Silvia , Viglialoro Giuseppe
Published: February 2021

This work deals with a fully parabolic chemotaxis model with nonlinear production and chemoattractant. The problem is formulated on a bounded domain and, depending on a specific interplay between the coefficients associated to such production and chemoattractant, we establish that the related initial-boundary value problem has a unique classical solution which is uniformly bounded in time. To be precise, we study this zero-flux problem
$$ \textstyle\begin{cases} u_{t}= \Delta u - \nabla \cdot (f(u) \nabla v) & \text{ in } \Omega \times (0,T_{max}), \\ v_{t}=\Delta v-v+g(u) & \text{ in } \Omega \times (0,T_{max}), \end{cases} $$

{

u
t

=
Δ
u
−
∇
⋅
(
f
(
u
)
∇
v
)

 in 
Ω
×
(
0
,

T

m
a
x

)
,

v
t

=
Δ
v
−
v
+
g
(
u
)

 in 
Ω
×
(
0
,

T

m
a
x

)
,

where $\Omega $
Ω
is a bounded and smooth domain of $\mathbb{R}^{n}$

R
n

, for $n\geq 2$
n
≥
2
, and $f(u)$
f
(
u
)
and $g(u)$
g
(
u
)
are reasonably regular functions generalizing, respectively, the prototypes $f(u)=u^{\alpha }$
f
(
u
)
=

u
α

and $g(u)=u^{l}$
g
(
u
)
=

u
l

, with proper $\alpha , l>0$
α
,
l
>
0
. After having shown that any sufficiently smooth $u(x,0)=u_{0}(x)\geq 0$
u
(
x
,
0
)
=

u
0

(
x
)
≥
0
and $v(x,0)=v_{0}(x)\geq 0$
v
(
x
,
0
)
=

v
0

(
x
)
≥
0
produce a unique classical and nonnegative solution $(u,v)$
(
u
,
v
)
to problem (◊), which is defined on $\Omega \times (0,T_{max})$
Ω
×
(
0
,

T

m
a
x

)
with $T_{max}$

T

m
a
x

denoting the maximum time of existence, we establish that for any $l\in (0,\frac{2}{n})$
l
∈
(
0
,

2
n

)
and $\frac{2}{n}\leq \alpha <1+\frac{1}{n}-\frac{l}{2}$

2
n

≤
α
<
1
+

1
n

−

l
2

, $T_{max}=\infty $

T

m
a
x

=
∞
and $u$
u
and $v$
v
are actually uniformly bounded in time.

The paper is in line with the contribution by Horstmann and Winkler (J. Differ. Equ. 215(1):52–107, 2005) and, moreover, extends the result by Liu and Tao (Appl. Math. J. Chin. Univ. Ser. B 31(4):379–388, 2016). Indeed, in the first work it is proved that for $g(u)=u$
g
(
u
)
=
u
the value $\alpha =\frac{2}{n}$
α
=

2
n

represents the critical blow-up exponent to the model, whereas in the second, for $f(u)=u$
f
(
u
)
=
u
, corresponding to $\alpha =1$
α
=
1
, boundedness of solutions is shown under the assumption $0< l<\frac{2}{n}$
0
<
l
<

2
n

.
Dynamics studied by Quasielastic Neutron Scattering (QENS)
Authors: Kruteva Margarita
Published: February 2021

Quasielastic neutron scattering (QENS) allows measurement of the molecular displacements in time and space, from pico- to tens of nanoseconds and from Ångstroms to nanometers, respectively. The method probes dynamics from fast vibrational modes down to slow diffusive motion. Every scattering experiment leads to a dynamic structure factor $$S\left( {\vec Q,\omega } \right)$$

S

Q
→

,
ω

or its spatial and temporal Fourier transform (van Hove correlation function $$G\left( {\vec r,t} \right)$$

G

r
→

,
t

). This shows exactly where the atoms are and how they move. In this manuscript the basics of the QENS method are presented and a few examples highlighting the potentials of QENS are given: (i) diffusion of liquids and gases in nano- and mesoporous materials; (ii) hydrogen dynamics in a high temperature polymer electrolyte fuel cell (HT-PEFC) and (iii) influence of the surface interactions on polymer dynamics in nanopores.
How to determine the consensus threshold in group decision making: a method based on efficiency benchmark using benefit and cost insight
Authors: Chao Xiangrui , Dong Yucheng , Kou Gang , Peng Yi
Published: February 2021

In the past 10 years, a large number of consensus-reaching approaches for group decision making (GDM) have been proposed. While these methods either focus on the cost of the consensus reaching or the convergency of the consensus process, the consensus efficiency has long been ignored. Meanwhile, the measurements of consensus threshold are often determined by some subjective and intuitive judgements, such as management experience and estimations for the degree of satisfaction, which lack a theoretical foundation. In management applications, how to measure consensus and how to evaluate a consensus reaching method are also ambiguous. To tackle these questions, we introduce efficiency measures into the consensus reaching process of GDM and achieve a comprehensive evaluation of current consensus methods through an efficiency analysis of consensus costs and consensus improvement. From the perspective of efficiency, we propose a benchmark in consensus reaching by data envelopment analysis without explicit input benchmark models, and then present an objective method for consensus threshold determination in GDM. Finally, we use numerical examples to illustrate the usability of our method.
Design and development of a new ambr250® bioreactor vessel for improved cell and gene therapy applications
Authors: Rotondi Marco , Grace Ned , Betts John , Bargh Neil , Costariol Elena , Zoro Barney , Hewitt Christopher J. , Nienow Alvin W. , Rafiq Qasim A.
Published: February 2021

The emergence of cell and gene therapies has generated significant interest in their clinical and commercial potential. However, these therapies are prohibitively expensive to manufacture and can require extensive time for development due to our limited process knowledge and understanding. The automated ambr250® stirred-tank bioreactor platform provides an effective platform for high-throughput process development. However, the original dual pitched-blade 20 mm impeller and baffles proved sub-optimal for cell therapy candidates that require suspension of microcarriers (e.g. for the culture of adherent human mesenchymal stem cells) or other particles such as activating Dynabeads® (e.g. for the culture of human T-cells). We demonstrate the development of a new ambr250® stirred-tank bioreactor vessel which has been designed specifically to improve the suspension of microcarriers/beads and thereby improve the culture of such cellular systems. The new design is unbaffled and has a single, larger elephant ear impeller. We undertook a range of engineering and physical characterizations to determine which vessel and impeller configuration would be most suitable for suspension based on the minimum agitation speed (NJS) and associated specific power input (P/V)JS. A vessel (diameter, T, = 60 mm) without baffles and incorporating a single elephant ear impeller (diameter 30 mm and 45° pitch-blade angle) was selected as it had the lowest (P/V)JS and therefore potentially, based on Kolmogorov concepts, was the most flexible system. These experimentally-based conclusions were further validated firstly with computational fluid dynamic (CFD) simulations and secondly experimental studies involving the culture of both T-cells with Dynabeads® and hMSCs on microcarriers. The new ambr250® stirred-tank bioreactor successfully supported the culture of both cell types, with the T-cell culture demonstrating significant improvements compared to the original ambr250® and the hMSC-microcarrier culture gave significantly higher yields compared with spinner flask cultures. The new ambr250® bioreactor vessel design is an effective process development tool for cell and gene therapy candidates and potentially for autologous manufacture too.
Soil organic carbon fractions in the Great Plains of the United States: an application of mid-infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Sanderman Jonathan , Baldock Jeffrey A. , Dangal Shree R. S. , Ludwig Sarah , Potter Stefano , Rivard Charlotte , Savage Kathleen
Published: February 2021

Spectroscopy is a powerful means of increasing the availability of soil data necessary for understanding carbon cycling in a changing world. Here, we develop a calibration transfer methodology to appropriately apply an existing mid infrared (MIR) spectral library with analyte data on the distribution of soil organic carbon (SOC) into particulate (POC), mineral-associated (MAOC), and pyrogenic (PyC) forms to nearly 8000 soil samples collected in the Great Plains ecoregion of the United States. We then use this SOC fraction database in combination with a machine learning-based predictive soil mapping approach to explore the controls on the distribution of fractions through soil profiles and across the region. The relative abundance of each fraction had unique depth distribution profiles with POC fraction dropping exponentially with depth, the MAOC fraction having a broad distribution with a maxima at 35–50 cm, and the PyC fraction showed a slight subsurface maxima (10–20 cm) and then a steady decline with increasing depth. Within the Great Plains ecoregion, clay content was a strong control on the total amount and relative proportion of each fraction in both the surface and subsoil horizons. Sandy soils and soils in cool semi-arid regions contained significantly more POC relative to the MAOC and PyC fractions. Cultivated soils had significantly less SOC than grassland soils with losses following a predictable pattern: POC > MAOC ≫ PyC. This SOC fraction database and resulting maps can now form the basis for improved representation of SOC dynamics in biogeochemical models.
Gray-box monitoring of hyperproperties with an application to privacy
Authors: Stucki Sandro , Sánchez César , Schneider Gerardo , Bonakdarpour Borzoo
Published: February 2021

Runtime verification is a complementary approach to testing, model checking and other static verification techniques to verify software properties. Monitorability characterizes what can be verified (monitored) at run time. Different definitions of monitorability have been given both for trace properties and for hyperproperties (properties defined over sets of traces), but these definitions usually cover only some aspects of what is important when characterizing the notion of monitorability. The first contribution of this paper is a refinement of classic notions of monitorability both for trace properties and hyperproperties, taking into account, among other things, the computability of the monitor. A second contribution of our work is to show that black-box monitoring of HyperLTL (a logic for hyperproperties) is in general unfeasible, and to suggest a gray-box approach in which we combine static and runtime verification. The main idea is to call a static verifier as an oracle at run time allowing, in some cases, to give a final verdict for properties that are considered to be non-monitorable under a black-box approach. Our third contribution is the instantiation of this solution to a privacy property called distributed data minimization which cannot be verified using black-box runtime verification. We use an SMT-based static verifier as an oracle at run time. We have implemented our gray-box approach for monitoring data minimization into the proof-of-concept tool Minion. We describe the tool and apply it to a few case studies to show its feasibility.
The J-integral for mixed-mode loaded cracks with cohesive zones
Authors: Scheel Johannes , Schlosser Alexander , Ricoeur Andreas
Published: February 2021

The J-integral quantifies the loading of a crack tip, just as the crack tip opening displacement (CTOD) emanating from the cohesive zone model. Both quantities, being based on fundamentally different interpretations of cracks in fracture mechanics of brittle or ductile materials, have been proven to be equivalent in the late 60s of the previous century, however, just for the simple mode-I loading case. The relation of J and CTOD turned out to be uniquely determined by the constitutive law of the cohesive zone in front of the physical crack tip. In this paper, a J-integral vector is derived for a mixed-mode loaded crack based on the cohesive zone approach, accounting for the most general case of a mode-coupled cohesive law. While the$$J_1$$J1-coordinate, as energy release rate of a straight crack extension, is uniquely related to the cohesive potential at the physical crack tip and thus to the CTOD, the$$J_2$$J2-coordinate depends on the solution of the specific boundary value problem in terms of stresses and displacement gradients at the cohesive zone faces. The generalized relation is verified for the Griffith crack, employing solutions of the Dugdale crack based on improved holomorphic functions.
Coupling a discrete twin model with cohesive elements to understand twin-induced fracture
Authors: Grilli Nicolò , Tarleton Edmund , Cocks Alan C. F.
Published: February 2021

The interplay between twinning and fracture in metals under deformation is an open question. The plastic strain concentration created by twin bands can induce large stresses on the grain boundaries. We present simulations in which a continuum model describing discrete twins is coupled with a crystal plasticity finite element model and a cohesive zone model for intergranular fracture. The discrete twin model can predict twin nucleation, propagation, growth and the correct twin thickness. Therefore, the plastic strain concentration in the twin band can be modelled. The cohesive zone model is based on a bilinear traction-separation law in which the damage is caused by the normal stress on the grain boundary. An algorithm is developed to generate interface elements at the grain boundaries that satisfy the traction-separation law. The model is calibrated by comparing polycrystal simulations with the experimentally observed strain to failure and maximum stress. The dynamics of twin and crack nucleation have been investigated. First, twins nucleate and propagate in a grain, then, microcracks form near the intersection between twin tips and grain boundaries. Microcracks appear at multiple locations before merging. A propagating crack can nucleate additional twins starting from the grain boundary, a few micrometres away from the original crack nucleation site. This model can be used to understand which type of texture is more resistant against crack nucleation and propagation in cast metals in which twinning is a deformation mechanism. The code is available online at https://github.com/TarletonGroup/CrystalPlasticity.

Graphic Abstract
A thermo-mechanical machining method for improving the accuracy and stability of the geometric shape of long low-rigidity shafts
Authors: Świć Antoni , Gola Arkadiusz , Sobaszek Łukasz , Šmidová Natalia
Published: February 2021

The article presents a new thermo-mechanical machining method for the manufacture of long low-rigidity shafts which combines straightening and heat treatment operations. A fixture for thermo-mechanical treatment of long low-rigidity shafts was designed and used in tests which involved axial straightening of shafts combined with a quenching operation (performed to increase the corrosion resistance of the steel used as stock material). The study showed that an analysis of the initial deflections of semi-finished shafts of different dimensions and determination of the maximum corrective deflection in the device could be used as a basis for performing axial straightening of shaft workpieces with simultaneous heat treatment and correction of the initial deflection of the workpiece. The deflection is corrected by stretching the fibers of the stock material, at any cross-section of the shaft, up to the yield point and generating residual stresses symmetrical to the axis of the workpiece. These processes allow to increase the accuracy and stability of the geometric shape of the shaft.
A numerical methodology for thermo-fluid dynamic modelling of tyre inner chamber: towards real time applications
Authors: Teodosio Luigi , Alferi Giuseppe , Genovese Andrea , Farroni Flavio , Mele Benedetto , Timpone Francesco , Sakhnevych Aleksandr
Published: February 2021

The characterization and reproduction of tyre behaviour for vehicle modelling is a topic of particular interest both for real-time driver in the loop simulations and for offline performance optimization algorithms. Since the accuracy of the tyre forces and moments can be achieved by the accurate physical modelling of all the phenomena concerning the tyre-road interaction, the link between the tyre thermal state and the tyre frictional performance turns into a crucial factor. An integrated numerical methodology, allowing to couple the full 3D CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) flux within the internal chamber of the tyre with an equivalent discrete 3D structure model, is proposed with the aim to completely represent the tyre thermodynamic convective behaviour in the steady-state operating conditions. 3D CFD model enables the evaluation of the internal distribution of the gas temperature and of the thermal powers exchanged at each sub-wall in detail. This allows to increase the reliability of the tyre thermodynamic modelling with a particular reference to the proper managing of the aero-thermal flow of the brake disc impact on the rim temperature and therefore on the internal gas dynamics in terms of temperature and pressure, being able to optimize the tyre overall dynamic performance in both warm-up and stabilized thermal conditions. The steady RANS (Reynolds Averaged Navier–Stokes) simulations have been performed employing the 3D CFD model in a wide range of angular velocities with the aim to calculate the convective thermal flux distributions upon rim and inner liner surfaces. The simulation results have been then exploited to derive the convective heat transfer coefficients per each sub domain to be employed within the real-time tyre physical thermal model, with the peculiar advantage of an enhanced model reliability for thermal characteristics. To validate the proposed methodology, the tyre thermal model outputs, in terms of temperatures of internal and external layers, have been validated towards the acquired ones within the specific routine performed on tyre force and moment test bench, confirming an excellent agreement with the experimental data in the entire range of operating conditions explored.
A Distributional Analysis of Uni-and Multidimensional Poverty and Inequalities in Ethiopia
Authors: Bersisa Mekonnen , Heshmati Almas
Published: February 2021

This study analyzes uni-and multidimensional poverty and inequalities in rural and small towns in Ethiopia. Unlike the unidimensional measure, the multidimensional measure of poverty shows all the channels through which poverty may manifest itself; it also shows the extent of deprivation. The analysis uses 6 dimensions with 14 indicators to construct a multidimensional index of poverty and inequalities using Ethiopian Households’ Socioeconomic Survey dataset. The study also uses multiple correspondence analyses for determining relative weights in computing a multidimensional index and conducts a stochastic dominance analysis of distribution of poverty for different population segments. The paper sheds light on the degree of inequalities in consumption expenditure and multidimensional deprivations. In addition, it also compares the degree of poverty using the conventional measure of poverty and the multidimensional approach. It also examines the determinants of household poverty status using both unidimensional and multidimensional measures using the logit model. The results show that the intensity, severity, and depth of poverty varies substantially across the 2 measures. The unidimensional measure of poverty shows that 36 percent of the households were poor as compared to 46 percent multidimensionally poor households. Moreover, demographic, regional, and household heads’ characteristics also affect households’ poverty status.
Relationship Between Early Functional and Structural Brain Developments and Brain Injury in Preterm Infants
Authors: De Wel O. , Van Huffel S. , Lavanga M. , Jansen K. , Dereymaeker A. , Dudink J. , Gui L. , Hüppi P. S. , de Vries L. S. , Naulaers G. , Benders M. J. N. L. , Tataranno M. L.
Published: February 2021

Background

Recent studies explored the relationship between early brain function and brain morphology, based on the hypothesis that increased brain activity can positively affect structural brain development and that excitatory neuronal activity stimulates myelination.

Objective

To investigate the relationship between maturational features from early and serial aEEGs after premature birth and MRI metrics characterizing structural brain development and injury, measured around 30weeks postmenstrual age (PMA) and at term. Moreover, we aimed to verify whether previously developed maturational EEG features are related with PMA.

Design/Methods

One hundred six extremely preterm infants received bedside aEEGs during the first 72h and weekly until week 5. 3T-MRIs were performed at 30weeks PMA and at term. Specific features were extracted to assess EEG maturation: (1) the spectral content, (2) the continuity [percentage of spontaneous activity transients (SAT%) and the interburst interval (IBI)], and (3) the complexity. Automatic MRI segmentation to assess volumes and MRI score was performed. The relationship between the maturational EEG features and MRI measures was investigated.

Results

Both SAT% and EEG complexity were correlated with PMA. IBI was inversely associated with PMA. Complexity features had a positive correlation with the cerebellar size at 30weeks, while event-based measures were related to the cerebellar size at term. Cerebellar width, cortical grey matter, and total brain volume at term were inversely correlated with the relative power in the higher frequency bands.

Conclusions

The continuity and complexity of the EEG steadily increase with increasing postnatal age. Increasing complexity and event-based features are associated with cerebellar size, a structure with enormous development during preterm life. Brain activity is important for later structural brain development.
Energy analysis of the performance of a hybrid solar still composed of a parabolic concentrator with PV generator
Authors: Mandi Benaissa , Menni Younes , Ameur Houari
Published: February 2021

In this study, a hybrid system with the addition of a greenhouse solar still is proposed to improve the efficiency, performance, and productivity of solar still. The energy analysis is performed with the help of a computer program using a set of typical design and operating parameters. The result showed that the hybrid still coupled with a PCC (parabolic cylindrical concentrator) can produce 110 l/m2 per day. The temperatures of the basin and water of the hybrid still with PCC are 140 and 100 °C, respectively. The causes are the several sources of temperatures are added together in a single system. The obtained values of efficiency, production, and performance are 160%, 100 l/m2, and 2, respectively. The results show also that the temperature and production in the month of January are 70 °C and 50 l/m2 per day, respectively, despite the negative influence of meteorological parameters. The performance of the suggested hybrid still is found to be higher than that of the single still without a concentrator.
Maternal and neonatal outcomes of preeclamptic and normotensive women who underwent cesarean section under spinal anesthesia: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Abate Semagn Mekonnen , Anbese Getachew Mergia , Basu Bivash
Published: February 2021

ABSTRACT

Background:

preeclampsia is very challenging for anesthetists due to the heterogeneous clinical spectrum of the disease characterized by hypertension, risk of hypotension, high risk of aspiration, and difficult airway. Therefore, the Meta-Analysis is intended to provide evidence on maternal and neonatal outcomes of preeclamptic parturient.

Methods:

A comprehensive strategy was conducted in PubMed/Medline, Science Direct, and Cochrane from January 2000 to May 2020 without language restriction. The Heterogeneity among the included studies was checked with forest plot and I2 test. Observational and experimental studies reporting maternal and neonatal outcomes among preeclamptic and normotensive women were included.

Results:

The Meta-Analysis revealed that pooled incidence of hypotension was reduced by thirty-eight percent in preeclamptic as compared to normotensive parturient, RR = 0.62(95% confidence interval (CI): 0.52 to 0.75).

Conclusion:

The Meta-Analysis revealed that the incidence of hypotension was lower in preeclamptic women when compared to normotensive women. The included studies were low to a very low quality of evidence which entails further randomized controlled trials.

Registration:

This systematic review and meta-analysis was registered in research Registry (UIN of reviewregistry1068).
The Tragedy of King Lear
Authors: Shakespeare William , Potter Lois
Published: February 2021

For this updated critical edition of King Lear, Lois Potter has written a completely new introduction, taking account of recent productions and reinterpretations of the play, with particular emphasis on its afterlife in global performance and adaptation. The edition retains the Textual Analysis of the previous editor, Jay L. Halio, shortened and with a new preface by Brian Gibbons.  Professor Halio, accepting that we have two versions of equal authority, the one derived from Shakespeare's rough drafts, the other from a manuscript used in the playhouses during the seventeenth century, chooses the Folio as the text for this edition.  He explains the differences between the two versions and alerts the reader to the rival claims of the quarto by means of a sampling of parallel passages in the Introduction and by an appendix which contains annotated passages unique to the quarto.
Women across Cultures
Authors: Lips Hilary M.
Published: February 2021

Psychology's study of women has revealed some themes that span cultures and countries, yet women's lived experiences in different cultures can be dramatically different. This Element explores, from a psychological perspective, women's issues in cultural contexts. Beginning with the question of public and private identity (i.e., who 'counts' as a woman), it goes on to examine embodiment, sexuality, reproduction, family roles, economic participation and power, violence, leadership, and feminist activism. It concludes with a brief discussion of women's complicated relationship to culture: as both keepers and sometimes prisoners of cultural traditions - particularly in the context of migration to different cultures. Running through the Element are two general themes: the pervasiveness of a gender hierarchy that often privileges men over women, and the ways in which women's lived experience varies within cultures according to the intersection of gender with other categories that affect expectations, norms, power and privilege.
Robert Lepage's Intercultural Encounters
Authors: Carson Christie
Published: February 2021

This study returns to the origins of Robert Lepage's directorial work and his first cross-cultural interaction with a Shakespearean text to provide some background for his later work. This early work is situated within the political and social context of Quebec and Canada in the 1980s. Constitutional wrangling and government policies of bilingualism, biculturalism and multiculturalism all had a profound impact on this director, helping to forge his priorities and working methods. In 2018 two of Lepage's productions were cancelled due to concerns about cultural appropriation. Lepage responded by stating his view that the artist is as above the concerns of political correctness. While this approach was deemed acceptable in the 1980s, this study looks at the dangers posed by approaching cross-cultural creation from this standpoint in the 21st century.
COMBINING RESURRECTION AND MAXIMALITY
Authors: MINDEN KAETHE
Published: February 2021

It is shown that the resurrection axiom and the maximality principle may be consistently combined for various iterable forcing classes. The extent to which resurrection and maximality overlap is explored via the local maximality principle.
On the thermal effects on radio waves propagating in the pulsar magnetosphere
Authors: Mikhaylenko A. G. , Beskin V. S. , Istomin Ya. N.
Published: February 2021

Thermal effects on the properties of four electromagnetic waves propagating in the pulsar magnetosphere are analysed. It is shown that thermal effects change only quantitatively the dispersion properties of superluminal ordinary O-mode freely escaping the pulsar magnetosphere; whereas properties of the extraordinary X-mode remain unchanged. The research shows that for two subluminal waves propagating along magnetic field lines thermal effects result in essential absorption. However, this attenuation occurs at considerable distances from the neutron star, and there is no doubt of their existence.
Childhood poverty and psychological well-being: The mediating role of cumulative risk exposure
Authors: Evans Gary W. , De France Kalee
Published: February 2021

The current study assessed whether the proportion of childhood (age 0–9 years) in poverty altered the developmental trajectories (ages 9–24) of multimethodological indicators of psychological well-being. In addition, we tested whether exposure to cumulative risk over time mediated the association between poverty exposure and psychological well-being. Measures of psychological well-being included internalizing and externalizing symptoms, a behavioral index of learned helplessness (task persistence), and chronic physiological stress (allostatic load). Exposure to poverty during childhood predicted the trajectory of each development outcome: individuals with more poverty exposure during childhood showed (a) relatively high levels of internalizing symptoms that diminished more slowly with maturation, (b) relatively high levels of externalizing symptoms that increased faster over time, (c) less task persistence indicative of greater learned helplessness, and (d) higher levels of chronic physiological stress which increased faster over time relative to persons with less childhood poverty exposure. Trajectories of cumulative risk exposure from physical and psychosocial surroundings from 9–24 years accounted for the association between childhood poverty and the growth curves of internalizing and externalizing symptoms but not for learned helplessness or chronic physiological stress. Additional sensitivity analyses indicate that early childhood disadvantage is particularly problematic for each outcome, except for internalizing symptoms which seem sensitive to the combination of early and lifetime poverty exposure. We also explored whether domains of cumulative risk as well as two alternatives, maternal sensitivity or family cohesion, functioned as mediators. Little evidence emerged for any of these alternative mediating constructs.
Regulation of seed germination by diurnally alternating temperatures in disturbance-adapted banana crop wild relatives (Musa acuminata)
Authors: Kallow Simon , Davies Rachael , Panis Bart , Janssens Steven B. , Vandelook Filip , Mertens Arne , Swennen Rony , Tahir Maimun Binti , Dickie John
Published: February 2021

Seed conservation of banana crop wild relatives (Musa L. spp.) is limited because of lack of knowledge about their germination ecology. Musa acuminata Colla, the most important banana crop wild relative, is distributed in tropical and subtropical Asian and Pacific rainforests and colonizes disturbed sites. The role of temperature in stimulating/inhibiting germination to detect disturbance when canopy gaps are formed is not well known. We assessed seed germination thermal requirements of three subspecies of M. acuminata using nine seed accessions which had been stored in the Millennium Seed Bank. Diurnally alternating temperature cycles were almost completely essential for germination compared with constant temperatures. Germination was optimal when the upper temperature of a diurnal cycle was at 35°C; the lower temperature of the cycle was less important. Subspecies occurrence coordinates were used to extract climate temperature data which were then compared against the temperature requirements for germination from our experiment results. Maximum temperatures of the warmest month across subspecies ranges were close to but below optimal germination temperatures, as were diurnal ranges, suggesting soil-warming at the micro-climate level following gap creation is important for M. acuminata seed germination. Additionally, pre-treatment for 3 months at 60% relative humidity at constant 25°C improved germination from 14 ± 10 (mean, standard deviation) to 41 ± 29% suggesting a period in the soil seed bank under the canopy may increase sensitivity to alternating temperature cycles. Overall viability was low (49 ± 28%), and considerable variance was caused by the different accessions. Germination remained somewhat inconsistent.
More Acidic Water Might Supercharge Lightning
Authors: Fritts Rachel
Published: February 2021

New research suggests ocean acidification could make lighting more intense.
Low adherence to CKD-specific dietary recommendations associates with impaired kidney function, dyslipidemia, and inflammation
Authors: Kaesler Nadine , Baid-Agrawal Seema , Grams Sabine , Nadal Jennifer , Schmid Matthias , Schneider Markus P. , Eckardt Kai-Uwe , Floege Jürgen , Bergmann Manuela M. , Schlieper Georg , Saritas Turgay
Published: February 2021

Background/Objectives

A diet following chronic kidney disease (CKD)-specific recommendations is considered essential for optimal management of patients with CKD. However, data on the adherence to these recommendations and its implications for health-relevant biomarkers are lacking. The objectives were to estimate adherence to CKD-specific dietary recommendations, to identify characteristics and lifestyle variables associated with poor adherence, and to investigate the relationship of adherence with biomarkers.

Methods

In this cross-sectional analysis, average dietary intake was estimated in 3193 participants with moderately severe CKD enrolled into the observational multicenter German CKD study using a food frequency questionnaire. A CKD diet score was developed to assess adherence to CKD-specific dietary recommendations based on intake of sodium, potassium, fiber, protein, sugar, and cholesterol. The associations of dietary adherence with characteristics, lifestyle variables, and biomarker levels were determined.

Results

Logistic regression analysis revealed younger age, higher body mass index, male gender, lower educational attainment, various lifestyle variables (cigarette smoking, infrequent alcohol consumption, low physical activity), and lower estimated glomerular filtrate rate associated with lower adherence to dietary recommendations. Low adherence to dietary recommendations was further associated with dyslipidemia, higher uric acid, and C-reactive protein levels. Associations between low dietary adherence and biomarkers were mostly driven by low intake of fiber and potassium, and high intake of sugar and cholesterol.

Conclusions

This study revealed differential characteristics and biomarkers associated with lower adherence to CKD-specific dietary recommendations. Promotion of CKD-specific dietary recommendations may help to mitigate the adverse prognosis in CKD patients.
An effective strategy for development of docetaxel encapsulated gold nanoformulations for treatment of prostate cancer
Authors: Thambiraj S. , Vijayalakshmi R. , Ravi Shankaran D.
Published: February 2021

Nanoformulation based drug delivery is one of the most important research areas in the field of nanomedicine, which provides promising alternatives to the limitations of conventional chemotherapy. Nano drug delivery enables improved pharmacokinetic profile, bioavailability and therapeutic efficiency compared to the regular chemotherapeutic drugs. Herein, we have established a simple method for the synthesis of docetaxel (Dtx) encapsulated poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG) functionalized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) for targeted drug delivery to prostate cancer. AuNPs were synthesized by the citrate ion reduction method followed by functionalization with thiol-PEG-amine (SH-PEG-NH2). SH-PEG-NH2 functionalized AuNPs were conjugated with the targeting vehicle, folic acid (FA). The anticancer drug, Dtx was encapsulated within AuNPs by the non-covalent linkage method. The physicochemical characteristics of the synthesized nanoformulations were extensively characterized by various spectral and microscopic studies. HR-TEM indicates the average size of the AuNPs is 16 nm and the nanoformulations is 18 nm. The encapsulation efficiency of the Dtx is ~ 96% which is confirmed by the elemental mapping analysis. The in vitro drug release profile of Dtx and AuNPs nanoformulations were studied by the dialysis membrane method. The anticancer activity of docetaxel encapsulated AuNPs were evaluated with prostate cancer cell lines (PC3). The drug encapsulated nanoformulations reduced the cell viability to about 40% (40 µM concentration at 24, 48 and 72 h of treatment). The optical microscopy observation reveals that the damage of prostate cancer cells after exposure to Dtx encapsulated AuNPs. The good cytotoxic activity of the present nanoformulation against prostate cancer cell lines enables its application for targeted drug delivery to prostate cancer.
Unusual piezochromic fluorescence of a distyrylpyrazine derivative crystals: phase transition through [2 + 2] photocycloaddition under UV irradiation
Authors: Jin Young-Jae , Park Hyosang , Moon Byung-Chun , Kim Jae Hong , Lee Wang-Eun , Lee Chang-Lyoul , Kwak Giseop
Published: February 2021

The piezochromic fluorescence (FL) of a distyrylpyrazine derivative, 2,3-diisocyano-5,6-distyrylpyrazine (DSP), was investigated in this study. Depending on the recrystallization method, DSP afforded two different crystals with green and orange FL emission. The orange color FL emission crystal (O-form) was easily converted to the green color FL emission one (G-form) by manual grinding. The G-form was also converted to a slightly different orange color FL emission crystal (RO-form) by a weak UV irradiation. When the RO-form was ground again, the G-form was regenerated. The FL colors changed between the G- and RO-forms over several ten times by repeated mechanical grinding and UV irradiation. The FL, UV–visible, 1H-NMR and XRD results showed that the O (or RO)-to-G transformation induced by mechanical stress results from the change of degree of molecular stacking from dense molecular stacking structure to relatively loose molecular stacking structure, whereas the G-to-RO reconversion by UV irradiation results from return to dense molecular stacking structure again due to lattice movement (lattice slipping) allowed by photocycloaddition in solid-state.
Effect of main family caregiver’s anxiety and depression on mortality of patients with moderate-severe stroke
Authors: Zhao Jianting , Zeng Zhilei , Yu Jianping , Xu Jianhua , Chen Ping , Chen Yujun , Li Jing , Ma Yulong
Published: February 2021

Anxiety and depression are common mental illness in stroke caregivers, resulting in significant stress to the emotion health of caregivers. Caregivers’ emotion can seriously affect the recovery rate of stroke patient, therefore, how to control and affect the caregivers’ anxiety and depression is of great importance. Here three multiple centers observation and validation study were performed to screen out the risk factors for development of anxiety and depression in main family caregiver, and the effect of anxiety and depression of family caregivers on 6-month mortality of patients with moderate-severe stroke. The severity of the stroke, the duration of care time and the medical payment associated with increased risk of anxiety and depression. Anxiety and depression of main family caregivers are associated with increased risk 6-month mortality of patients with moderate-severe stroke. Therefore, the support provided to the family caregivers might have positive effect on prognosis of the patients with stroke.
Publisher Correction: miRNALoc: predicting miRNA subcellular localizations based on principal component scores of physico-chemical properties and pseudo compositions of di-nucleotides
Authors: Meher Prabina Kumar , Satpathy Subhrajit , Rao Atmakuri Ramakrishna
Published: February 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
A metabolomic approach to target antimalarial metabolites in the Artemisia annua fungal endophytes
Authors: Alhadrami Hani A. , Sayed Ahmed M. , El-Gendy Ahmed O. , Shamikh Yara I. , Gaber Yasser , Bakeer Walid , Sheirf Noheir H. , Attia Eman Z. , Shaban Gehan M. , Khalifa Basma A. , Ngwa Che J. , Pradel Gabriele , Rateb Mostafa E. , Hassan Hossam M. , Alkhalifah Dalal H. M. , Abdelmohsen Usama Ramadan , Hozzein Wael N.
Published: February 2021

Fungal endophytes are a major source of anti-infective agents and other medically relevant compounds. However, their classical blinded-chemical investigation is a challenging process due to their highly complex chemical makeup. Thus, utilizing cheminformatics tools such as metabolomics and computer-aided modelling is of great help deal with such complexity and select the most probable bioactive candidates. In the present study, we have explored the fungal endophytes associated with the well-known antimalarial medicinal plant Artemisia annua for their production of further antimalarial agents. Based on the preliminary antimalarial screening of these endophytes and using LC-HRMS-based metabolomics and multivariate analyses, we suggested different potentially active metabolites (compounds 1–8). Further in silico investigation using the neural-network-based prediction software PASS led to the selection of a group of quinone derivatives (compounds 1–5) as the most possible active hits. Subsequent in vitro validation revealed emodin (1) and physcion (2) to be potent antimalarial candidates with IC50 values of 0.9 and 1.9 µM, respectively. Our approach in the present investigation therefore can be applied as a preliminary evaluation step in the natural products drug discovery, which in turn can facilitate the isolation of selected metabolites notably the biologically active ones.
Gold nanoparticles decorated biguanidine modified mesoporous silica KIT-5 as recoverable heterogeneous catalyst for the reductive degradation of environmental contaminants
Authors: Veisi Hojat , Abassi Parasto , Mohammadi Pourya , Tamoradi Taiebeh , Karmakar Bikash
Published: February 2021

This current study involves the novel synthesis of Au nanoparticles (Au NPs) decorated biguanidine modified mesoporous silica KIT-5 following post-functionalization approach. The tiny Au NPs were being stabilized over the in situ prepared biguanidine ligand. The high surface area material was characterized using analytical techniques like Fourier Transformed infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, N2-adsorption–desorption isotherm, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray Diffraction study (XRD). Our material was found to be an efficient catalyst in the reductive degradation of harmful water contaminating organic dyes like Methylene blue (MB), Methyl Orange (MO) and Rhodamin B (RhB) in presence of NaBH4 at room temperature. The whole procedure was followed up with the help of time dependant UV–Vis spectroscopy. All the reactions followed pseudo-unimolecular kinetics and corresponding rate constant were determined. The reduction rate becomes high in presence of higher load of catalysts.
The simultaneous role of porphyrins’ H- and J- aggregates and host–guest chemistry on the fabrication of reversible Dextran-PMMA polymersome
Authors: Safar Sajadi Seyed Milad , Khoee Sepideh
Published: February 2021

Aggregation-induced quenching of porphyrin molecules as photosensitizer significantly reduces the quantum yield of the singlet oxygen generation, and it is able to decrease the efficacy of photodynamic therapy. We utilized amphiphilic copolymers in this work to precisely control porphyrin H-type and J-type aggregations in water. The amphiphilic copolymer bearing azobenzene, β-cyclodextrin, and porphyrin was successfully synthesized by the atom transfer radical polymerization technique. The azobenzene and β-cyclodextrin complex, as a host–guest supramolecular interaction, has great potential in the design of light-responsive nanocarriers. The amphiphilic block copolymer can be self-assembled into polymersomes, whose application in the generation of singlet oxygen has been also tested. We further demonstrate that, due to the stable H- and J-aggregates of porphyrin, which act as noncovalent cross-linking points, the structure of polymersomes can be reversible under light-stimulus. This formation method has the advantage of allowing for both the encapsulation of hydrophilic and hydrophobic molecules and release upon external light without any distinguishable changes in the structure. Furthermore, the morphology and particle size distribution of the polymersomes were also investigated by using transition electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, and field emission scanning electron microscopy.