bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design and simulation of multilayer hybrid foam material for acoustic application
Authors: Yuvaraj L. , Jeyanthi S. , Babu Mailan Chinnapandi Lenin , Jayamani Elammaran
Published: July 2021

New acoustic multilayer absorber fabricated by coupling closed-cell metallic foam and open-cell polymeric foam, which aimed to develop a practical use of metallic foam in the noise control application. In prior, the individual sound absorption coefficient of both foam materials with different thicknesses measured by the impedance tube method as per ASTM E-1050. Using inverse characterization technique, the intrinsic properties needed for five parameter models in a numerical study are predicted. The measured characteristic impedance, complex wave propagation, and sound absorption coefficient of the individual foams are in close agreement with the prediction. Subsequently, a different configuration of multilayer absorber is modeled using obtained properties, and their acoustic performance is evaluated. The result indicates that the coupling of polymeric foam with metallic one exhibits enhanced sound absorption and usage of closed-cell metallic foam in noise control material. Furthermore, the result demonstrates that absorption capability entirely relies on the placement of polymeric foam in the configuration. The proposed hybrid multilayer absorber coupled with test bench car for interior acoustic study, where 5–30 dB is reduction is noticed in 1/3rd octave plot.
Ethische, psychosoziale und rechtliche Aspekte der Behandlung hirntoter Schwangerer
Authors: Reinhold Ann-Kristin , Markus Christian K. , Kredel Markus , Beckmann Rainer , Muellges Wolfgang , Rehn Monika , Wöckel Achim , Meybohm Patrick , Roewer Norbert , Kranke Peter
Published: July 2021

Die Therapie Schwangerer mit irreversiblem Hirnfunktionsausfall ist ein Extrembeispiel nicht nur für die Möglichkeiten moderner Intensivmedizin, sondern auch für die daraus resultierenden ethischen, sozialen und rechtlichen Spannungsfelder, die für Mediziner kein vertrautes Terrain sind. Im Folgenden wird der Fall einer in der 9. SSW verunfallten Patientin mit infauster Prognose bei massivem Schädel-Hirn-Trauma und anamnestischem Wunsch zur Organspende vorgestellt. Vor diesem Hintergrund werden anhand ausgewählter Fälle aus der Literatur verschiedene Aspekte beleuchtet: die Frage der Therapiezielfestlegung, insbesondere Palliation vs. Fortführung; die Implikationen einer Hirntoddiagnostik; betreuungsrechtliche Überlegungen; Einbindung der Angehörigen, v. a. des Kindsvaters; Dynamiken im Behandlungsteam sowie schließlich die Frage einer möglichen Organspende. Das Fallbeispiel verdeutlicht zudem, dass auch bei denkbar ungünstigen Rahmenbedingungen und dem Zusammenkommen
scheinbar unvereinbarer Faktoren eine Schwangerschaft überraschend unbeeinträchtigt ausgetragen werden kann. Die recherchierten Fakten und Erwägungen sowie die zitierte weiterführende Literatur in diesem Artikel sollen einen Überblick über potenzielle Dilemmata verschaffen und als fundierter Ausgangspunkt für ähnlich gelagerte Fälle dienen.
Patienten abholen, verstehen und unterstützen
Authors: Schirm Katharina
Published: July 2021

Erinnern Sie sich noch an Ihre Anfänge in der Psychiatrie? Wir wollten von psychiatrisch Pflegenden wissen, wie der erste Kontakt mit dem Team und den Patienten war, was sie am meisten interessiert, berührt oder auch befremdet hat und wo sie ihre Aufgaben sehen. Dieses Mal berichtet eine Pflegende, die vor 21 Jahren erste Eindrücke in der Psychiatrie gesammelt hat.
Is Telemedicine the Preferred Visit Modality in Patients with Type 1 Diabetes?
Authors: Kirzhner Alena , Zornitzki Taiba , Ostrovsky Viviana , Knobler Hilla , Schiller Tal
Published: July 2021

Background The COVID-19 pandemic limits access to diabetes clinics. Remote communication by phone calls and WhatsApp messages became available in the past years. However, the current need to avoid face-to-face meetings necessitates further expansion of telemedicine services. There are limited data whether the option of virtual meetings is a preferred therapeutic modality for patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D).

Objective To assess in a cohort of T1D patients, their preference and perception of telemedicine.

Methods T1D patients who are followed in a hospital-affiliated diabetes clinic were asked to fill a structured questionnaire aimed to determine their attitude towards telemedicine and their preference of virtual versus conventional visits. The questionnaire was offered to consecutive T1D patients who visited the clinic between August to October 2020.

Results Seventy one T1D patients that fulfilled the questionnaire were included. Median age was 38 years, 39% were male, and median duration of diabetes was 18 years. Fourteen percent of the participants preferred only virtual visits, 24% only conventional visits and 62% preferred a combination of these modalities. Sex, origin, education, duration of diabetes, mode of insulin treatment and distance from the clinic were not associated with patients' preference, but older patients (≥ 61 years) tended to prefer conventional visits. Sixty-six percent felt confident in their ability to download data from their personal medical devices.

Conclusions Patients from a wide range of treatment modalities are willing to use telemedicine. However, virtual meetings cannot fully replace conventional visits in T1D especially in the older age group.
Candida albicans Osteochondromyelitis after Gastroesophageal Surgery: Two Case Reports
Authors: Meiwandi Abdulwares , Zirngibl Hubert , Bozkurt Ahmet
Published: July 2021

Candida osteochondromyelitis is a rare complication after thoracoabdominal surgery. We herein report two such cases after uncomplicated thoracoabdominal surgery, who presented with chronic postsurgical site infection and fistula. CT scans showed fistulas reaching the costochondral areas of the fifth rib. Inflammatory parameters were not elevated. Both patients were treated successfully after the initiation of systemic antimycotic treatment and surgical debridement. We conclude that C. albicans infections should always be considered in cases of chronic postoperative surgical site infections after thoracoabdominal surgery. Additional risk factors do not need to be present. Appropriate therapy consists of the application of systemic antimycotics and surgical debridement.
Determination of Factors to Distinguish MIS-C from Acute Appendicitis in Children with Acute Abdominal Pain
Authors: Azılı Müjdem Nur , Güney Doğuş , Oztorun Can Ihsan , Ertürk Ahmet , Erten Elif Emel , Demir Sabri , Ertoy Ayşe , Emeksiz Serhat , Parlakay Aslınur Ozkaya , Celikel Banu Acar , Senel Emrah
Published: July 2021

Introduction The aim of this study was to make the differential diagnosis between acute appendicitis and multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) for patients presenting with the complaint of acute abdominal pain (AAP) and to identify the determining factors for the diagnosis of MIS-C.

Materials and Methods Eighty-one children presenting with AAP/suspected AAP were evaluated. Of these, 24 (29.6%) were included in the MIS-C group (MIS-C/g) and 57 were included in the suspected appendicitis group (S-A/g), which consisted of two subgroups: appendicitis group (A/g) and control observation group (CO/g).

Results Comparing MIS-C/g, A/g, and CO/g, duration of abdominal pain (2.4, 1.5, 1.8 days), high-grade fever (38.8, 36.7, 37°C), severe vomiting, and severe diarrhea were higher in MIS-C/g. Lymphocytes count (LC) was lower, while values of C-reactive protein (CRP), ferritin, and coagulopathy were higher in MIS-C/g (p < 0.05). The optimal cutoffs for the duration of abdominal pain was 2.5 days; the duration of fever, 1.5 days; peak value of fever, 39°C; neutrophil count, 13,225 × 1,000 cell/µMoL; LC, 600 × 1,000 cell/µMoL; ferritin, 233 µg/L; and D-dimer, 16.4 mg/L (p < 0.05). The optimal cutoff for CRP was 130 mg/L (sensitivity 88.9, specificity 100%, positive predictive value 100%, NPV, negative predictive value 92.5%, p < 0.001). All patients in MIS-C/g tested positive by serology by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).

Conclusion The duration of abdominal pain, presence of high-grade and prolonged fever, and evaluation of hemogram in terms of high neutrophil count and low LC exhibit high sensitivity and negative predictive value for MIS-C presenting with AAP. In case of doubt, inflammatory markers such as CRP, ferritin, D-dimer, and serology for SARS-CoV-2 should be studied to confirm the diagnosis.
Experience of Uncommon EGFR Mutation in Lung Scheme Quality Program: Discussing Risks and Opportunities for the Improvement of Laboratory Response
Authors: Pancrazzi Alessandro , Ognibene Agostino , Moncada Alice , Torre Valerio
Published: July 2021

Background The quality programs can be considered to be a valuable tool for global and individual growth. Each result, obtained by a single laboratory, contributes to define the standardization of the response. In the case of the uncommon epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations, the molecular result is sometimes difficult to interpret in terms of biological significance and therapy choosing. The standardization effort in the diagnostic lung setting also consists of active quality program participation.

Materials and Methods The quality control analysis, which is defined as a clinical case, was performed by the extraction of DNA from FFPE sections and by RT-PCR on the EGFR (exons 19, 20, 21), BRAF, and KRAS genes. The laboratory performed a validation sequencing of EGFR exon 20 with the help of the Sanger method.

Results The laboratory reported positivity for EGFR exon 20 insertions and negative results for BRAF and KRAS. The quality test finished with the redaction of a report containing the recommendation to consider the efficacy of therapy with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI). This specific interpretation has determined poor performance judgment by the quality provider, which explained why most of these mutations are TKI-resistant.

Conclusions This experience provides an opportunity to reflect on the critical aspects of this diagnostic setting. The detection of some uncommon EGFR mutations should entail the mutation characterization, especially for the rare exon 20 insertions, of which are not classifiable as “resistant.” Moreover, this experience allows reflecting on the quality program design, mandatory actions for the laboratory, and routine activity in the oncologic multidisciplinary team.
Advances in 2D infrared spectroscopy provide new tools for characterizing protein functions
Authors: Liebendorfer Adam
Published: July 2021

Adding emerging vibrational amino acid side chains allows researchers to further take advantage of transparents windows in infrared spectra and circumvent hurdles of delocalized bonds and spectral congestion.
A singular elliptic problem involving fractional p-Laplacian and a discontinuous critical nonlinearity
Authors: Saoudi Kamel , Panda Akasmika , Choudhuri Debajyoti
Published: July 2021

The purpose of this article is to prove the existence of solution to a nonlinear nonlocal elliptic problem with a singularity and a discontinuous critical nonlinearity, which is given as (−Δ)psu= μg(x,u)+λuγ+H(u−α)ups*−1inΩ,u>0inΩ, with the zero Dirichlet boundary condition. Here, Ω⊂RN is a bounded domain with Lipschitz boundary, s ∈ (0, 1), 2
 0, α ≥ 0 is real, ps*=NpN−sp is the fractional critical Sobolev exponent, and H is the Heaviside function, i.e., H(a) = 0 if a ≤ 0 and H(a) = 1 if a > 0. Under suitable assumptions on the function g, the existence of solution to the problem has been established. Furthermore, it will be shown that as α → 0+, the sequence of solutions of the problem for each such α converges to a solution of the problem for which α = 0.
Recent progress on 2D magnets: Fundamental mechanism, structural design and modification
Authors: Jiang Xue , Liu Qinxi , Xing Jianpei , Liu Nanshu , Guo Yu , Liu Zhifeng , Zhao Jijun
Published: July 2021

The two-dimensional (2D) magnet, a long-standing missing member in the family of 2D functional materials, is promising for next-generation information technology. The recent experimental discovery of 2D magnetic ordering in CrI3, Cr2Ge2Te6, VSe2, and Fe3GeTe2 has stimulated intense research activities to expand the scope of 2D magnets. This review covers the essential progress on 2D magnets, with an emphasis on the current understanding of the magnetic exchange interaction, the databases of 2D magnets, and the modification strategies for modulation of magnetism. We will address a large number of 2D intrinsic magnetic materials, including binary transition metal halogenides; chalogenides; carbides; nitrides; oxides; borides; silicides; MXene; ternary transition metal compounds CrXTe3, MPX3, Fe-Ge-Te, MBi2Te4, and MXY (M = transition metal; X = O, S, Se, Te, N; Y = Cl, Br, I); f-state magnets; p-state magnets; and organic magnets. Their electronic structure, magnetic moment, Curie temperature, and magnetic anisotropy energy will be presented. According to the specific 2D magnets, the underlying direct, superexchange, double exchange, super-superexchange, extended superexchange, and multi-intermediate double exchange interactions will be described. In addition, we will also highlight the effective strategies to manipulate the interatomic exchange mechanism to improve the Curie temperature of 2D magnets, such as chemical functionalization, isoelectronic substitution, alloying, strain engineering, defect engineering, applying electronic/magnetic field, interlayer coupling, carrier doping, optical controlling, and intercalation. We hope this review will contribute to understanding the magnetic exchange interaction of existing 2D magnets, developing unprecedented 2D magnets with desired properties, and offering new perspectives in this rapidly expanding field.
On representations of the centrally extended Heisenberg double of SL2
Authors: Tao W.-Q.
Published: July 2021

For the centrally extended Heisenberg double of SL2, its center is determined, the central factor algebras are described, and classifications of simple Harish-Chandra modules, simple Whittaker modules, and simple quasi-Whittaker modules are obtained. Two classes of simple weight modules with infinite-dimensional weight spaces are given. We also give a classification of simple modules that decompose into a direct sum of simple finite-dimensional sl2-modules with finite multiplicities.
Vortex flows and streamline topology in curved biological membranes
Authors: Samanta R. , Oppenheimer N.
Published: July 2021

When considering flows in biological membranes, they are usually treated as flat although, more often than not, they are curved surfaces, even extremely curved, as in the case of the endoplasmic reticulum. Here, we study the topological effects of curvature on flows in membranes. Focusing on a system of many point vortical defects, we are able to cast the viscous dynamics of the defects in terms of a geometric Hamiltonian. In contrast to the planar situation, the flows generate additional defects of positive index. For the simpler situation of two vortices, we analytically predict the location of these stagnation points. At the low curvature limit, the dynamics resemble that of vortices in an ideal fluid, but considerable deviations occur at high curvatures. The geometric formulation allows us to construct the spatiotemporal evolution of streamline topology of the flows resulting from hydrodynamic interactions between the vortices. The streamlines reveal novel dynamical bifurcations leading to spontaneous defect-pair creation and fusion. Further, we find that membrane curvature mediates defect binding and imparts a global rotation to the many-vortex system, with the individual vortices still interacting locally.
On the aeroacoustic characterization of a robust trailing-edge serration
Authors: Celik A. , Mayer Y. D. , Azarpeyvand M.
Published: July 2021

This paper presents an experimental study on the aeroacoustics of a flat plate rig with a highly instrumented serrated trailing-edge. The role of near-field flow properties, namely, surface pressure fluctuations and spanwise coherence, in the noise suppression capability of serration is not properly understood. The results from this test rig aim to provide additional insight into the effects of the serration on the hydrodynamic field (flow field) and the scattering of the pressure waves along the trailing-edge. Despite its unconventional size, beamforming results showed a significant reduction of far-field noise over a broadband frequency range. The associated flow field is characterized by mean and spectral analyses of static and dynamic surface pressure measurements as well as hot-wire measurements. The mean pressure coefficient results and the boundary layer velocity profiles over the serrated trailing-edge showed minute differences compared to the baseline straight trailing-edge. However, the frequency-dependent energy content of the unsteady surface pressure fluctuations demonstrates an elevated energy region around the serration edges at low frequencies. Although there is an increase in the energy content of the low frequency pressure fluctuations on the serrated trailing-edge, a significant phase difference of the pressure waves is observed, which may be indicative of destructive interference. The temporal studies regarding the unsteady surface pressure fluctuations corroborate the presence of quasi-periodic large scale structures emanating from the serration edges.
Two-dimensional spatial distribution and production mechanism of H− ions in cylindrical inductively coupled H2 discharges
Authors: Song Sha-Sha , Yang Wei , Liu Wei , Yin Shuai , Liu Yong-Xin , Gao Fei , Wang You-Nian , Zhao Yong-Tao
Published: July 2021

In this work, radio frequency (RF) inductively coupled hydrogen plasmas have been investigated using a two-dimensional (2D) hybrid model, consisting of a fluid module and an electromagnetic field module. This paper focuses on the effects of driver chamber radius, RF power, and gas pressure on the spatial distribution of H− density. The results show that H− ions are produced all over the driver chamber and exhibit a strong accumulation in the plasma center. Furthermore, this accumulation becomes much stronger with a smaller radius, due to the larger dc electric field intensity. While the H− density in the plasma center first increases and then decreases with the increasing radius. This is because the total production rate of H− has an opposite tendency to that of the dc electric field intensity. Therefore, the spatial distribution of the H− is governed by the dc electric field and the production mechanism. In addition, the accumulated area of H− at different powers is nearly invariable, whereas it spreads out with pressure. This can be attributed to the different spatial profiles of the dc electric field. To validate our model, the calculated electron density is compared with the experimental result, and a reasonable agreement is achieved. Hopefully, the results in this work could lead to a deeper insight into the variations of the spatial distribution of H− density on the driver chamber radius and discharge conditions, which is very important in the design of a high efficiency and compact negative hydrogen ion beam source.
Paper-based analytical devices for point-of-care blood tests
Authors: Yuan Hao , Chiu Ping-Yeh , Chen Chien-Fu
Published: July 2021

Blood can be a window to health, and as a result, is the most intensively studied human biofluid. Blood tests can diagnose diseases, monitor therapeutic drugs, and provide information about the health of an individual. Rapid response blood tests are becoming increasingly essential, especially when subsequent treatment is required. Toward this need, paper-based devices have been excellent tools for performing blood tests due to their ability to conduct rapid and low-cost diagnostics and analyses in a non-laboratory environment. In this Perspective, we review recent advances in paper-based blood tests, particularly focusing on the specific techniques and assays applied. Additionally, we discuss the future of these paper-based devices, such as how the signal intensity can be enhanced and how the in situ synthesis of nanomaterials can be used to improve the sensitivity, functionality, and operational simplicity. With these advances, paper-based devices are becoming increasingly valuable tools for point-of-care blood tests in various practical scenarios.
Elucidating the stabilities and properties of the thiolate-protected Au nanoclusters with detaching the staple motifs
Authors: Wang Endong , Gao Yi
Published: July 2021

Thiolate-protected Au nanoclusters (AuNCs) have been widely studied in areas of catalysis, biosensors, and bioengineering. In real applications, e.g., catalytic reactions, the thiolate groups are normally partially detached. However, which of the thiolate groups are easily detached and how the detachment of the ligands affects the geometries and electronic structures of the Au nanoclusters have been rarely studied. In this work, we employed the density functional theory calculations as well as the molecular orbital analysis to explore the detachment effect of the ligands using nine thiolate-protected AuNCs as examples. Our results showed that there existed a nearly linear relationship between the averaged detachment energies and the numbers of Au atoms in the motifs. Detaching longer motifs normally required more energies owing to the stronger aurophilic effects. For detaching a full motif, based on the structure decomposition via the grand unified model, analysis on the inner Au core indicated that the change in Au–Au bond length was more sensitive for the inter-block compared to the intra-block. The detachment of the –SH fragment generally needs less energy and brings less structural deformations when compared to the removal of a full motif. Molecular orbital analysis showed that the relative energies of the HOMO orbitals were elevated, which led to the narrow down of the HOMO–LUMO gap. This work provides a primary description of the correlation of the ligands’ detachment with the relative stabilities and structures of the AuNCs, which would be beneficial for establishing the structure–property relationship of AuNCs in real applications.
Effects of syringe pump fluctuations on cell-free layer in hydrodynamic separation microfluidic devices
Authors: Haque Md Ehtashamul , Matin Amirali , Wang Xu , Kersaudy-Kerhoas Maïwenn
Published: July 2021

Syringe pumps are widely used biomedical equipment, which offer low-cost solutions to drive and control flow through microfluidic chips. However, they have been shown to transmit mechanical oscillations resulting from their stepper motors into the flow, perturbing device performance. These detrimental effects have mostly been reported on microdroplet production, but have never been reported on hydrodynamic two-phase separation, such as in microdevices making use of cell-free layer phenomena. While various mechanisms can be used to circumvent syringe pump oscillations, it is of interest to study the oscillation effects in naïve systems, which are common in research settings. Previous fluctuation studies focused on relatively low flow rates, typically below 5 ml/h, and showed a linear decay of the relative pressure fluctuations as a function of the flow rate. In this work, we have uncovered that the relative pressure fluctuations reach a plateau at higher flow rates, typically above 5 ml/h. Using a novel low-cost coded compressive rotating mirror camera, we investigated the effect of fluctuations in a hydrodynamic microfluidic separation device based on a cell-free layer concept. We demonstrated that cell-free zone width fluctuations have the same frequency and amplitude than the syringe pump-induced pressure oscillations and illustrated the subsequent degradation of particle separation. This work provides an insight into the effect of syringe pump fluctuations on microfluidic separation, which will inform the design of microfluidic systems and improve their resilience to pulsating or fluctuating flow conditions without the use of ancillary equipment.
Multi environmental evaluation of persistence and drought tolerance in smooth bromegrass (
Authors: Saeidnia F. , Majidi M. M. , Dehghani M. R. , Mirlohi A. , Araghi B.
Published: July 2021

Information on the nature and amount of genotype × environment (GE) interaction for economic traits and persistence is extremely rare in smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis Leyss.), especially under drought stress. In this study, 25 half-sib (HS) families of smooth bromegrass were evaluated in the field during five consecutive years under normal and water deficit conditions. The effect of water deficit on dry forage yield was increased from the first year to the fifth, and manifested as a decline in persistence of HS families. Based on narrow-sense heritability estimates, additive gene action was found to be an effective factor in the control of yield components, whereas forage yield is controlled by both additive and non-additive gene actions. Considering the three parameters of stability of combining ability, mean performance and drought tolerance simultaneously, it was inferred that four parental genotypes were superior and stable with high values of general combining ability. This indicates that when developing synthetic varieties from these genotypes, both stability and plant productivity are transmitted to their progenies.
Arrest of WNT/β-catenin signaling enables the transition from pluripotent to differentiated germ cells in mouse ovaries
Authors: Le Rolle Morgane , Massa Filippo , Siggers Pam , Turchi Laurent , Loubat Agnès , Koo Bon-Kyoung , Clevers Hans , Greenfield Andy , Schedl Andreas , Chaboissier Marie-Christine , Chassot Anne-Amandine
Published: July 2021

Significance

In the mammalian ovary, primordial germ cells maintain a genomic program associated with pluripotency until they stop proliferating, move toward oogenesis, and enter meiosis. The molecular mechanisms that enable primordial germ cells to exit pluripotency and enter meiosis in a timely manner are unclear, and their identification represents a major challenge in reproductive biology because the fertility of each individual depends on this. Evidence that cessation of germ cell proliferation is a cell-autonomous event, unrelated to the number of cell divisions, led to a search for an intrinsic timing mechanism that has long remained elusive. We describe here that WNT/β-catenin signaling regulates this timing and coordinates the transition from pluripotent to gametogenesis-competent germ cells.
Exploring the origins of the indentation size effect at submicron scales
Authors: Ma Xiaolong , Higgins Wesley , Liang Zhiyuan , Zhao Dexin , Pharr George M. , Xie Kelvin Y.
Published: July 2021

Significance

Downscaling material structure into ever-decreasing levels for modern technological advancements demands small-scale mechanical characterizations of materials, such as nanoindentation. Thus, a comprehensive understanding of indentation size effect (ISE) has a far-reaching impact, but such understanding remains incomplete at the submicron scale despite a decades-long quest since the 1980s. Here, we explored the origins of this effect experimentally by linking dislocation behavior evolution with nanoindentation mechanical data at various depths. Importantly, the dislocation behavior is found to be strongly depth dependent and gives rise to subgrain formation progressively. Aided by subgrain boundaries, the ISE mechanism transitions from dislocation source starvation to dislocation interaction as indentation depth increases. The critical mechanism transition elucidates the distinctive ISE behavior at the submicron scale.
Galectin-3 promotes noncanonical inflammasome activation through intracellular binding to lipopolysaccharide glycans
Authors: Lo Tzu-Han , Chen Hung-Lin , Yao Cheng-I , Weng I-Chun , Li Chi-Shan , Huang Chi-Chun , Chen Nien-Jung , Lin Chun-Hung , Liu Fu-Tong
Published: July 2021

Significance

Cytosolic lipopolysaccharides (LPSs) induce oligomerization of caspase-4/5/11, resulting in pyroptosis, but the involvement of any other host resistance factors in this process is unknown. Galectins bind to components of pathogenic microorganisms, particularly LPSs, in a glycan-dependent manner. However, these proteins are mainly present intracellularly, and little is known regarding their functions associated with binding to components of microorganisms, including LPSs, in the cytosol. Here, we report that galectin-3 recognizes cytosolic LPSs from various bacteria and amplifies LPS-induced caspase-4/11 oligomerization and activation, causing more intense pyroptosis in a carbohydrate-dependent manner. This study defines a unique molecular mechanism based on the carbohydrate-binding and self-association properties of galectin-3, through which this glycan-binding protein enhances cytosolic LPS-induced noncanonical inflammasome activation in macrophages.
Repeating caldera collapse events constrain fault friction at the kilometer scale
Authors: Segall Paul , Anderson Kyle
Published: July 2021

Significance

Earthquake physics require understanding how the frictional resistance on faults varies leading up to and during seismic slip. Laboratory rock friction experiments have led to widely used friction laws that depend on sliding rate and slip history. However, these experiments are restricted to samples vastly smaller than natural faults. Highly repeatable, and exceptionally well instrumented, caldera collapse events at Kīlauea volcano can be treated as kilometer-scale rock friction experiments and entirely validate laboratory experiments. Caldera collapse is caused by rapid draining of magma from a shallow crustal reservoir. Collapse transfers weight to the underlying magma reservoir, thereby sustaining the eruption. Our results permit more accurate understanding of conditions leading to caldera collapse and high-rate basaltic eruptions.
Metastability and discrete spectrum of long-range systems
Authors: Defenu Nicolò
Published: July 2021

Significance

The linear dynamics of closed quantum systems produce well-known difficulties in the definition of quantum chaos. This leads to several issues in the theoretical justification of the equilibration and thermalization dynamics observed in closed experimental systems. In the case of large harmonic baths these issues are partially resolved due to the continuous nature of the spectrum, which produces divergent Poincaré recurrence times. As is shown in the following, such a scenario does not apply to long-range interacting models, whose spectrum remains discrete up to the thermodynamic limit, in contradiction with the textbook description of infinitely extended systems.
Notch–Jagged signaling complex defined by an interaction mosaic
Authors: Zeronian Matthieu R. , Klykov Oleg , Portell i de Montserrat Júlia , Konijnenberg Maria J. , Gaur Anamika , Scheltema Richard A. , Janssen Bert J. C.
Published: July 2021

Significance

Communication between cells is essential for the development and homeostasis of tissues and prevents diseases, including cancers. The Notch and Jagged transmembrane proteins interact to regulate cell–cell communication in all multicellular animals. Defining their interactions is critical to understand Notch-associated disorders. While structural studies have focused on short regions of both proteins, it is unclear how their entire extracellular domains collectively engage to activate signaling. Here, we identify several unreported, interacting regions in the Notch1–Jagged1 full extracellular complex. We show that Notch1 and Jagged1 ectodomains are not fully extended and reveal that activation-determining regions, previously thought to be distal, engage directly. This interaction network redefines our knowledge on Notch activation and provides avenues for therapeutic advances.
Three mutations repurpose a plant karrikin receptor to a strigolactone receptor
Authors: Arellano-Saab Amir , Bunsick Michael , Al Galib Hasan , Zhao Wenda , Schuetz Stefan , Bradley James Michael , Xu Zhenhua , Adityani Claresta , Subha Asrinus , McKay Hayley , de Saint Germain Alexandre , Boyer François-Didier , McErlean Christopher S. P. , Toh Shigeo , McCourt Peter , Stogios Peter J. , Lumba Shelley
Published: July 2021

Significance

Parasitic plants like witchweed cause huge losses in crop yield in Africa. A key part to the success of witchweed is to start its life cycle upon sensing small molecules called strigolactones, which are exuded from roots of host plants into the soil. Witchweed sense host-derived strigolactones through receptors called HTLs. It is thought that the evolutionary origin of HTLs is a receptor called KAI2 in nonparasitic plants, which can respond to different small molecules such as karrikins. By making three changes in the protein sequence of KAI2, this hybrid receptor can now sense both strigolactones and karrikins. These results help in understanding how receptors can evolve to sense different signals and can lead to solutions for combating pesky witchweed.
Flowering in bursting bubbles with viscoelastic interfaces
Authors: Tammaro Daniele , Chandran Suja Vinny , Kannan Aadithya , Gala Luigi Davide , Di Maio Ernesto , Fuller Gerald G. , Maffettone Pier Luca
Published: July 2021

Significance

The bursting bubbles are central in many natural and engineering processes because they influence the heat, mass, and momentum transfer; for example, fragmentation and cell death are influenced by the mechanical stresses produced by the hydrodynamic flows caused by the fast and frequent bubble bursting on viscoelastic surfaces in bioreactors. We investigate the bursting bubbles with viscoelastic interfaces and demonstrate that the interfacial viscoelasticity changes the bubble rupture mode. We present the characteristics of the bubble rupture mode that produces flower-shape bubble bursting and a validated modeling that can predict the number of petals formed during the rupture. This work presents insights for understanding and controlling the bursting bubbles with viscoelastic interfaces with both fundamental and practical implications.
Evolutionary dynamics of Indo-European alignment patterns
Authors: Carling Gerd , Cathcart Chundra
Published: July 2021

This paper employs phylogenetic modeling to reconstruct the alignment system of Indo-European. We use a data set of
categorical morphosyntactic features, which take states such as ‘nominative-accusative’, ‘active-stative’, or ‘ergative’. We analyze these
characters with a standard Bayesian comparative phylogenetic method, inferring transition rates between character states on the basis of a
phylogenetic representation of the languages in the data. Using these rates, we then reconstruct the probability of presence of traits at
the root and nodes of Indo-European. We find that the most probable alignment system for Proto-Indo-European is a nominative-accusative
system, with low probabilities of neutral marking and ergativity in the categories lower in grammatical hierarchies (nouns, past). Using a
test of phylogenetic signal, we find that characters pertaining to categories higher in hierarchies show greater phylogenetic stability than
categories lower in hierarchies. We examine our results in relation to theories of Proto-Indo-European alignment as well as to general
typology.
Problematising characteristicness
Authors: Prentice Sheryl , Knight Jo , Rayson Paul , Haj Mahmoud El , Rutherford Nathan
Published: July 2021

Keyness is a commonly used method in corpus linguistics and is assumed to identify key items that are characteristic of 1 corpus when compared to another. This paper puts this assumption to the test by comparing case study corpora in the fields of genetic, immunological and psychiatric biomedical association studies, using what we refer to as a ‘K-FLUX’ analysis to produce a set of key items. Experts from within these fields are asked to evaluate the extent to which identified key items are characteristic of their discipline. The paper concludes that less than 50% of the items identified by the method are rated as highly characteristic by experts and that this ranges between types of association study. Further, there is difficulty in reaching a consensus over what is deemed to be ‘characteristic’, thus posing a challenge to the ultimate aim of the keyness method. The paper demonstrates the value of supporting corpus linguistic studies with expert assessments to evaluate whether (and which) items can be said to be indicative of a particular field.
Apuntes sobre la expresión del neutro en español
Authors: Zulaica Hernández Iker
Published: July 2021

Por su naturaleza intrínsecamente compleja a nivel semántico y formal dentro del sistema de género gramatical, la
enseñanza del neutro generalmente se restringe a la exposición, un tanto marginal, de los usos referenciales más básicos de las
formas neutras. La realidad es que los elementos neutros del español son frecuentes en todos los registros, se presentan en
estructuras sintácticas diversas y presentan usos menos conocidos, pero igualmente importantes a nivel comunicativo. Este trabajo
tiene como objetivo ofrecer una visión exhaustiva sobre la expresión del neutro en español y presentar su riqueza referencial y
distribucional. Además de presentar exhaustivamente sus posibilidades referenciales y distribucionales más conocidas, se presentan
también otros usos y construcciones menos conocidos, pero igualmente frecuentes en la lengua coloquial. Asimismo se analizan
varias extensiones de significado y funcionales que incluyen formas neutras.
Bioelectrical impedance analysis as a means of quantifying upper and lower limb asymmetry in youth elite tennis players: An explorative study
Authors: D'Hondt Joachim , Chapelle Laurent , Droogenbroeck Linde Van , Aerenhouts Dirk , Clarys Peter , D'Hondt Eva
Published: July 2021

This study aimed to examine side‐to‐side differences in phase angle (PhA) in both upper and lower limbs of youth elite tennis players. Among other outcomes, PhA was directly determined using segmental multifrequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) in 26 tennis players (11.6 ± 1.1 years, 54% boys) and compared against a sex‐ and age‐matched reference population. Significant upper limb asymmetry in PhA (p < 0.001), with a higher value on the dominant side of the body, was observed in the tennis players. At lower limb level, the tennis players showed a tendency towards a significantly higher PhA in the contralateral compared to the ipsilateral limb (p = 0.089). Using vector analysis (BIVA), a significant degree of PhA asymmetry (p = 0.002) was only reflected in the tennis players’ upper limb. Additional segmental outcomes also demonstrated a significant degree of upper limb asymmetry in terms of tennis players’ lean mass (p < 0.001), total segmental water (p < 0.001), fat mass (p < 0.001), extracellular water (p < 0.001) and extracellular water ratio (p < 0.001), whereas lower limb asymmetry was only observed in tennis players’ fat mass (p = 0.037) and extracellular water (p = 0.001). This is the first study to report significantly more pronounced BIA‐based side‐to‐side differences in youth elite tennis players compared to a non‐athletic reference population at the upper limb level, whereas no significant between‐group differences in the lower limbs were found. This explorative study should trigger future research to further scrutinize the role of BI(V)A as a promising field‐method in monitoring bodily asymmetries in youth elite tennis players in view of sport performance and athletic health.

Highlights

Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis is a promising field‐method to monitor side‐to‐side asymmetry in youth elite tennis players.

Youth elite tennis players displayed a more pronounced degree of BIA‐based side‐to‐side differences compared to a non‐athletic reference population at the upper limb level, whereas whilst between‐group differences appeared to be less evident in the lower limbs.

Future research is warranted to scrutinize whether and to what extent these degrees of segmental bodily asymmetry may be related to injury risk (prevention) and athletic development of (pre)adolescent tennis players.
Estimating the modulating effect of lung tissue in particle therapy using a clinical CT voxel histogram analysis
Authors: Flatten Veronika , Michael Burg Jan , Witt Matthias , Derksen Larissa , Fragoso Costa Pedro , Wulff Jörg , Bäumer Christian , Timmermann Beate , Weber Uli , Vorwerk Hilke , Engenhart-Cabillic Rita , Zink Klemens , Baumann Kilian-Simon
Published: July 2021

To treat lung tumours with particle therapy, different additional tasks and challenges in treatment planning and application have to be addressed thoroughly. One of these tasks is the quantification and consideration of the Bragg peak (BP) degradation due to lung tissue: as lung is an heterogeneous tissue, the BP is broadened when particles traverse the microscopic alveoli. These are not fully resolved in clinical CT images and thus, the effect is not considered in the dose calculation. In this work, a correlation between the CT histograms of heterogeneous material and the impact on the BP curve is presented. Different inorganic materials were scanned with a conventional CT scanner and additionally, the BP degradation was measured in a proton beam and was then quantified. A model is proposed that allows an estimation of the modulation power by performing a histogram analysis on the CT scan. To validate the model for organic samples, a second measurement series was performed with frozen porcine lunge samples. This allows to investigate the possible limits of the proposed model in a set-up closer to clinical conditions. For lung substitutes, the agreement between model and measurement is within ±0.05 mm and for the organic lung samples, within ±0.15 mm. This work presents a novel, simple and efficient method to estimate if and how much a material or a distinct region (within the lung) is degrading the BP on the basis of a common clinical CT image. Up until now, only a direct in-beam measurement of the region or material of interest could answer this question.
Local and global stimuli in reinforcement learning
Authors: Jia Danyang , Guo Hao , Song Zhao , Shi Lei , Deng Xinyang , Perc Matjaž , Wang Zhen
Published: July 2021

In efforts to resolve social dilemmas, reinforcement learning is an alternative to imitation and exploration in evolutionary game theory. While imitation and exploration rely on the performance of neighbors, in reinforcement learning individuals alter their strategies based on their own performance in the past. For example, according to the Bush–Mosteller model of reinforcement learning, an individual’s strategy choice is driven by whether the received payoff satisfies a preset aspiration or not. Stimuli also play a key role in reinforcement learning in that they can determine whether a strategy should be kept or not. Here we use the Monte Carlo method to study pattern formation and phase transitions towards cooperation in social dilemmas that are driven by reinforcement learning. We distinguish local and global players according to the source of the stimulus they experience. While global players receive their stimuli from the whole neighborhood, local players focus solely on individual performance. We show that global players play a decisive role in ensuring cooperation, while local players fail in this regard, although both types of players show properties of ‘moody cooperators’. In particular, global players evoke stronger conditional cooperation in their neighborhoods based on direct reciprocity, which is rooted in the emerging spatial patterns and stronger interfaces around cooperative clusters.
A Technique for Encoding and Decoding Using Matrix Theroy
Authors: Ranjani T. , Manshath A. , Maheshwari V. , Balaji V.
Published: July 2021

In this paper, we have disccussed an algorithm for encryption and decryption using matrix theory and we have worked two examples for this algorithm.
Spherical Fuzzy Labelling Graphs
Authors: Chellamani P , Ajay D
Published: July 2021

Fuzzy graphs are a mathematical representation of networks and real-life problems. The spherical fuzzy model is a more versatile model that picture. In order to deal with the real-life problems, the bounded constraints have been relaxed and thus spherical fuzzy graph was introduced. In this research article, the main objective is to introduce the idea of spherical fuzzy labelling of graphs and the concepts of strong arc, partial cut node, bridge of spherical fuzzy labelling graphs, spherical fuzzy labelling tree and cycle along with their properties and results.
The Physical Time in Positive Direction is Associated with Matters only Whereas the Physical Time in Negative Direction is Associated with Anti – Matters
Authors: Debnath Prasenjit
Published: July 2021

The physical time reverses its direction when switched to either side of the speed of light. The physical time is a scalar quantity at the speed of light. The physical time is just a number at the speed of light. Thus, no evolution (changes in matters) occurs at the speed of light. It is as if time is stagnant without any change at the speed of light. But time is a vector quantity below or above the speed of light. The time is a forward (say positive) vector for matters as the speed of matters is always below the speed of light. The time is a reverse (say negative) vector for anti – matters as the speed of anti – matters is always above the speed of light. A forward vector or positive vector means the physical time flows from past to present to future. And the physical time is a reverse vector or negative vector means the physical time flows from future to present to past. Both the forward vector and reverse vector are separated by the Time Constant or Temporal Gap (a scalar quantity of time which is a number just at the speed of light). Because of the Time Constant we never meet our anti – selves. We are separated permanently by the Temporal Gap. The same analysis can be explained in terms of gravity. Gravity is attractive, thus all matters clumps together in a particular place which is our Universe. Because the gravity between matters and anti – matters is repulsive, matters and anti – matters permanently secluded to form another Universe for anti – selves. Thus, parallel Universes do exist. And anti – gravity is attractive too (the gravity between two anti – matters).
Estimation of Soil Erosion using RUSLE Method in Tiruvallur District
Authors: Saran Kumar P. , Needhidasan S.
Published: July 2021

Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) these technologies are used for various purposes and natural resources. GIS and RS are pixel based and are used as a spatial modeling method to forecast erosion. RUSLE is one of the methods developed to estimate the erosion. RUSLE is the tool used to forecast erosion from five parameters. This study will give you that how much soil erosion happening in Tiruvallur district. By using the Geo informatics techniques, we can be able to find out the soil erosion in an easy way and by using the data like LIS III satellite images and LANDSAT imagery data by using this we can able to predict the soil erosion in Tiruvallur district.
Cybersecurity in the Quantum Era-A Study of Perceived Risks in Conventional Cryptography and Discussion on Post Quantum Methods
Authors: Vaishnavi Anshika , Pillai Samaya
Published: July 2021

Information security in communication networks is a persistent problem and essentially requires the usage of encryption methods. Quantum computing was first used to break encryption codes in the latter half of the 20th century with the introduction of the SHOR algorithm. Though the recent developments in QC capabilities have increased confidentiality, integrity, and availability of networks by protecting them against passive attacks like eavesdropping yet the transformation of classical to quantum computation can bear catastrophic implications as it has the potential to put the currently secure methods of transactions in jeopardy. This paper aims at the evaluation and comparison of traditional cryptographic techniques by the application of a SWOT framework. It takes up an exploratory study of the advanced quantum computing capabilities that can pose a massive risk to network security. The various security enhancements that can be adopted in data transmission to curtail these risks post-quantum are also discussed.