bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantification of pyrazinamide, isoniazid, acetyl‐isoniazid, and rifampicin by a high‐performance liquid chromatography method in human plasma from patients with tuberculosis
Authors: Hernández‐González Oswaldo , Zarazúa Sergio , Veytia‐Bucheli José Ignacio , González‐Chávez Marco Martín , Rodríguez‐Pinal Cristian Jazmín , Medellín‐Garibay Susanna Edith , Uresti‐Rivera Edith Elena , Pérez‐Vázquez Francisco Javier , Portales‐Pérez Diana Patricia , Romano‐Moreno Silvia , Milán‐Segovia Rosa del Carmen
Published: November 2020

The aim of this study was to establish and validate an alternative high‐performance liquid chromatography method for simultaneous quantification of pyrazinamide, isoniazid, acetyl‐isoniazid and rifampicin in plasma of patients under treatment for tuberculosis. The performed method was lineal (r2 > 0.99) in the range of 2.00–50.00 μg/mL for pyrazinamide, 0.50–20.00 μg/mL for both acetyl‐isoniazid and isoniazid, and 1.20–25.00 μg/mL for rifampicin. Precision and trueness were demonstrated with coefficient of variation < 15% and deviations < 15%, respectively, for quality controls samples. The lower limits of quantification were 2.00, 0.50, 0.50, and 1.20 μg/mL for pyrazinamide, isoniazid, acetyl‐isoniazid and rifampicin, respectively. The method was applied for the analysis of plasma from patients with tuberculosis. This method allowed ensuring reliable quantification of the target compounds and their pharmacokinetics parameters. In general, the mean values of maximum concentration of each antituberculosis drug were located within their respective reference therapeutic ranges. However, patients with sub‐therapeutic plasma concentrations of isoniazid and rifampicin were detected. This is the first analytical technique that simultaneously quantifies isoniazid, acetyl‐isoniazid, rifampicin, and pyrazinamide concentrations from plasma samples by high‐performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet/visible. The proposed method could be applied for therapeutic drug monitoring and pharmacokinetics studies of the four compounds throughout the treatment of tuberculosis patients.
Highly efficient solid‐phase microextraction of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in water based on worm‐like nickel‐titanium oxide nanocomposites coating grown on a nickel‐titanium alloy wire by low‐voltage anodization
Authors: Liu Pei , Zhou Hua , Zhang Lei , Wang Feifei , Wang Xuemei , Du Xinzhen
Published: November 2020

A novel worm‐like nickel‐titanium oxide nanocomposite coating was directly grown on a nickel‐titanium alloy wire by low‐voltage electrochemical anodization in alkaline ethylene glycol and water solution. The in situ growth of nickel‐titanium oxide nanocomposites greatly depended on the volume ratio of ethylene glycol to water and temperature. Coupled to high‐performance liquid chromatography with UV detection by static desorption in the mobile phase, the adsorption performance of the as‐prepared fiber was evaluated for solid‐phase microextraction of representative environmental analytes in water. The results indicate that the as‐prepared fiber exhibits higher extraction capability for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons than commercial polydimethylsiloxane and polyacrylate fibers. After optimizing the extraction parameters, the calibration graphs of the developed method was linear in the range of 0.05–200 μg/L with correlation coefficients above 0.998. Limit of detection ranged from 0.013 to 0.145 μg/L for seven target analytes. Relative standard deviations of intraday and interday analyses varied from 4.0 to 5.3% and from 4.7 to 6.3% with the single fiber, respectively. The relative recoveries of 84.4–109% were achieved for highly efficient enrichment and determination of target analytes in spiked river and snow water. Moreover, the as‐prepared fiber can be used more than 200 times.
Thin layer chromatography based extraction approaches for improved analysis of volatile compounds with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and direct analysis with gas analyzer
Authors: Suchatanugal Nattapat , Chedthanorrakul Panisara , Thaveesangsakulthai Isaya , Nhujak Thumnoon , Kulsing Chadin
Published: November 2020

In this study, thin‐layer chromatography was applied for selective extraction of volatile compounds in perfume prior to analysis with solid phase microextraction and gas chromatography—mass spectrometry. The standard compounds were desorbed from the thin‐layer chromatography plate and extracted at 80°C for 15 min showing good linearity of the calibration curves (R2 > 0.98) and acceptable recovery range (65–81%). The plate after the separation was cut into four smaller parts followed by solid phase microextraction/gas chromatography—mass spectrometry analysis, which revealed different compound profile in each part with the correlation between log P of the standard compounds and their positions along the thin‐layer chromatography plate (R2 = 0.65). This approach was applied to analyze perfume compounds in the sample with strong matrix interference from the synthetic agarwood. Terpene hydrocarbons (woody‐based odors), ketones/esters, aldehydes, ethers, and alcohols were mostly observed at 8 ± 1, 6 ± 1, 5 ± 2, 4 ± 2, and 3 ± 2 cm, respectively, from the bottom of the thin‐layer chromatography plate. While, the conventional solid phase microextraction/gas chromatography—mass spectrometry analysis of this sample solution revealed only 62 compounds (including 35 perfume compounds), the four‐piece approach resulted in 109 compounds (62 perfume compounds). Furthermore, the capability of thin‐layer chromatography‐Gas Analyzer approach to analyze the isomers in this complex sample was demonstrated.
Highly Isoselective Ring‐Opening Polymerization of rac‐Lactide Using Chiral Binuclear Aluminum Catalyst
Authors: Wan Yi , Bai Yun , Xu Hai , He Jianghua , Zhang Yuetao
Published: November 2020

The microstructure can significantly affect the physical and mechanical properties of polymers. Five chiral binuclear aluminum methyl complexes (rac1 to rac5) are synthesized by using chiral binaphthalene diamine ligand and characterized by both 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy. The crystal structures of rac3 and rac5 are also identified by single crystal X‐ray diffraction. In the presence of iPrOH initiator, these aluminum complexes catalyze the ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) of rac‐lactide (rac‐LA) in a controlled manner and produce polymers with high to excellent isoselectivity (Pm up to 0.93). Even with a catalyst loading as low as 0.1%, polylactide with a Pm of 0.83 can still be obtained. Kinetic studies reveal the first‐order dependence on monomer concentration whereas kinetic resolution polymerization provides the evidence to support that these binuclear aluminum catalysts catalyzed ROP of rac‐LA adopts enantiomorphic site control mechanism. Furthermore, this strategy can also be applied to the ROP of both ε‐caprolactone and δ‐valeroactone.
Psychosis‐Like Behavior and Hyperdopaminergic Dysregulation in Human α‐Synuclein BAC Transgenic Rats
Authors: Polissidis Alexia , Koronaiou Maria , Kollia Vasia , Koronaiou Effrosyni , Nakos‐Bimpos Modestos , Bogiongko Marios , Vrettou Sofia , Karali Katerina , Casadei Nicolas , Riess Olaf , Sardi Sergio P. , Xilouri Maria , Stefanis Leonidas
Published: November 2020

Background

Parkinson's disease psychosis is a prevalent yet underreported and understudied nonmotor manifestation of Parkinson's disease and, arguably, the most debilitating. It is unknown if α‐synuclein plays a role in psychosis, and if so, this endophenotype may be crucial for elucidating the neurodegenerative process.

Objectives

We sought to dissect the underlying neurobiology of novelty‐induced hyperactivity, reminiscent of psychosis‐like behavior, in human α‐synuclein BAC rats.

Results

Herein, we demonstrate a prodromal psychosis‐like phenotype, including late‐onset sensorimotor gating disruption, striatal hyperdopaminergic signaling, and persistent novelty‐induced hyperactivity (up to 18 months), albeit reduced baseline locomotor activity, that is augmented by d‐amphetamine and reversed by classical and atypical antipsychotics. MicroRNA‐mediated α‐synuclein downregulation in the ventral midbrain rescues the hyperactive phenotype and restores striatal dopamine levels. This phenotype is accompanied by an abundance of age‐, brain region– and gene dose–dependent aberrant α‐synuclein, including hyperphosphorylation, C‐terminal truncation, aggregation pathology, and mild nigral neurodegeneration (27%).

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate a potential role of α‐synuclein in Parkinson's disease psychosis and provide evidence of region‐specific perturbations prior to neurodegeneration phenoconversion. The reported phenotype coincides with the latest clinical findings that suggest a premotor hyperdopaminergic state may occur, while at the same time, premotor psychotic symptoms are increasingly being recognized. © 2020 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Inter‐Individual Variability in Insulin Response after Grape Pomace Supplementation in Subjects at High Cardiometabolic Risk: Role of Microbiota and miRNA
Authors: Ramos‐Romero Sara , Léniz Asier , Martínez‐Maqueda Daniel , Amézqueta Susana , Fernández‐Quintela Alfredo , Hereu Mercè , Torres Josep Luís , Portillo María P. , Pérez‐Jiménez Jara
Published: November 2020

Scope

Dietary polyphenols have shown promising effects in mechanistic and preclinical studies on the regulation of cardiometabolic alterations. Nevertheless, clinical trials have provided contradictory results, with high inter‐individual variability. This study explores the role of gut microbiota and microRNAs (miRNAs) as factors contributing to the inter‐individual variability in polyphenol response.

Methods and Results

49 subjects with at least two factors of metabolic syndrome are divided between responders (n = 23) or non‐responders (n = 26), depending on the variation rate in fasting insulin after grape pomace supplementation (6 weeks). The populations of selected fecal bacteria are estimated from fecal deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), while the microbial‐derived short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are measured in fecal samples by gas chromatography. MicroRNAs are analyzed on a representative sample, followed by targeted miRNA analysis. Responder subjects show significantly lower (p < 0.05) Prevotella and Firmicutes levels, and increased (p < 0.05) miR‐222 levels.

Conclusion

After evaluating the selected substrates for Prevotella and target genes of miR‐222, these variations suggest that responders are those subjects exhibiting impaired glycaemic control. This study shows that fecal microbiota and miRNA expression may be related to inter‐individual variability in clinical trials with polyphenols.
Dual‐band stacked patch antenna with wide e‐plane beam width and stable gain at both bands
Authors: Li Si‐Jie , Lu Wen‐Jun , Zhu Lei
Published: November 2020

A dual‐resonant, semi‐circular sector patch antenna is properly incorporated to a planar self‐balanced magnetic dipole antenna and lead to a novel triple‐resonant, dual‐band planar antenna which has characteristics of wide E‐plane beam width and stable gain at both bands in this work. Design approach with a group of approximate closed‐form formulas is proposed to initially calculate value of the main parameters of the antenna. In the numerical and experimental verifications, it is demonstrated that the antenna operates at 2.4–2.48 and 4.75–5.95 GHz for reflection coefficient smaller than −10 dB. The antenna exhibits unique characteristics of wide E‐plane half‐power beamwidths of 91°/115°, and stable in‐band average gain of about 4–5 dBi at both bands owing to the nearly complementary frequency dispersive characteristic of the radiation pattern in both principal‐cut planes. As seen, the antenna can cover wide wireless communication spectra, which makes it promising to get applications in future developments of multi‐functional WLAN/RFID antennas, C2C communication antennas, and light‐weight, compact UAV antennas without bulky reflectors.
The Role of Innovation in the Display Industry's End Game
Authors: Hendy Ian , Gray Paul
Published: November 2020

In this article, the first of a two‐part series, analysts Ian Hendy and Paul Gray explain why “Innovate or Die” market thinking has become the industry's new mantra and assess display technologies' competitive advantages for TV and mid‐sized displays.
Displays and the New World of Remote Education
Authors: Dickson Glen
Published: November 2020

As the COVID‐19 pandemic reshapes the educational landscape, analysts predict that the display business will be impacted by the remote‐learning trend for years to come.
Chemistry of Tetradentate [C,N : C,N] Iminophosphorane Palladacycles: Preparation, Reactivity and Theoretical Calculations
Authors: Munín‐Cruz Paula , Reigosa Francisco , Rúa‐Sueiro Marcos , Ortigueira Juan M. , Pereira M. Teresa , Vila José M.
Published: November 2020

A theoretical and experimental study of tetradentate [C,N : C,N] iminophosphorane palladacycles was carried out for the purpose of elucidating their behavior as compared to the parent Schiff base analogues to determine the prospect of encountering new A‐frame structures for the iminophosphorane derivatives. The DFT calculations were in agreement with the experimental results regarding the performance of these ligands. New insights into the chemistry of the related dinuclear species have been obtained.
Untargeted UHPLC‐Q‐TOF‐HRMS based determination of discrimating compounds for oak species Quercus robur L. and Quercus petraea Liebl. identification
Authors: Buche Gaëlle , Colas Cyril , Fougère Laëtitia , Giordanengo Thomas , Destandau Emilie
Published: November 2020

Introduction

Two species of oak are dominant in French forests: pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.) and sessile oak (Quercus petraea Liebl.). Differentiating oak species is difficult, since features such as morphological characters, geographical origin and grain are not always relevant. Even if the former is generally richer in tannin compounds while the latter is often richer in aromatic compounds, the intra‐species variability is high. The characterisation of the oak species remains a suitable indicator of the molecular composition and quality of the wood.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to determine differentiating molecules allowing oak species identification in order to assist in a suitable wood selection for a better oak tree valorisation since the selection of the oak wood to be used in the production of barrels plays an essential role in wine ageing.

Materials and Methods

Oak wood samples were collected both in forests and in cooperage timber yards. An untargeted metabolomic approach using ultra‐high‐pressure liquid chromatography qualitative time‐of‐flight high‐resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC‐Q‐TOF‐HRMS) associated to multivariate statistical analyses (hierarchical ascendant clustering and partial least squares discriminant analysis) was implemented to determine molecular markers of oak species.

Results

Heartwood was identified as the suitable wood part to distinguish oak species. Discriminating molecules did not depend on the sample set. The pedunculate species showed overexpression of bartogenic derivatives while sessile oak presented a higher content in oak lactone precursors and in quercotriterpenosids.

Conclusion

The developed method allowed the identification of relevant compounds for oak species identification to a better wood valorisation and selection.
Characterization of PA‐12 specimens fabricated by projection sintering at various sintering parameters
Authors: Kaur Taranjot , Nussbaum Justin , Lee Sanboh , Rodriguez Kevin , Crane Nathan B. , Harmon Julie
Published: November 2020

Large area projection sintering (LAPS) promises to be a new method in the field of additive manufacturing. Developed in the Mechanical Engineering Department, University of South Florida, LAPS uses long exposure times over a broad area of powder to fuse into dense, reproducible materials. In contrast, LS, a common powder‐based additive manufacturing, uses a focused beam of light scanned quickly over the material. Local regions of concentrated high‐energy bursts of light lead to higher peak temperatures and differing cooling dynamics and overall crystallinity. The mechanical properties of laser sintered specimens suffer because of uneven particle fusion. LAPS offers the capacity to fine‐tune fusion properties through enhanced thermodynamic control of the heating and cooling profiles for sintering. Further research is required to identify the relationship between LAPS build settings and part properties to enable the fabrication of custom parts with desired properties. This study examines the influence of LAPS sintering parameters on chemical structures, crystallinity, mechanical, and thermal properties of polyamide‐12 specimens using powder X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, small‐angle X‐ray scattering, scanning electron microscopy, and microhardness testing. It was observed that higher crystallinity was imparted to specimens that were sintered for a shorter time and vice versa.
A comparison of ablative resistance properties of liquid silicone rubber composites filled with different fibers
Authors: Zhang Hao , Yan Liwei , Zhou Shengtai , Zou Huawei , Chen Yang , Liang Mei , Ren Xiancheng
Published: November 2020

Flexible ablative materials play a key role in thermal protection systems to protect space vehicles during hypersonic flight missions. In this work, epoxy resin modified liquid silicone rubber was adopted as elastomeric matrix. Two inorganic fibers (carbon fibers (CF) and quartz fibers (QF)) and two organic fibers (aramid fibers (AF) and poly (p‐phenylene benzobisoxazole) fibers (PBO)) were chosen as functional fillers. The ablation resistance and thermal insulation properties were evaluated using oxyacetylene torch test. Microstructure and phase composition of the char layer was fully characterized to investigate the ablation mechanism. SEM observations revealed that the fibers are well dispersed and integrated in the matrix. TGA analysis indicated that the inorganic fibers possess significantly higher thermal stability than organic fibers. In addition, a molten silica film can be formed on the material surface, which can exert a better thermal protection effect on the matrix. Furthermore, the ablation test shows that the linear ablation rate decreases first and then increases with an increase of fiber content. This work provides basic data to guide optimal selection of fibrous ablatives to enhance ablation performance.
Genetic basis of resistance to the Vip3Aa Bt protein in Helicoverpa zea
Authors: Yang Fei , Santiago González José C , Sword Gregory A , Kerns David L
Published: November 2020

BACKGROUND

Helicoverpa zea is a destructive pest and target of maize and cotton expressing Cry and Vip3Aa proteins in North America. The efficacy of Cry proteins against H. zea in the USA has been largely compromised by resistance. A rapid shift towards planting Bt cotton and maize producing Vip3Aa will accelerate evolution of resistance to Vip3Aa in H. zea. Research on the genetic basis of Vip3Aa resistance in H. zea is urgently needed, and can provide fundamental information for managing resistance in this pest. Here, we characterize the inheritance of Vip3Aa resistance in H. zea.

RESULTS

Susceptibility of a Vip3Aa‐susceptible strain (SS), a resistant strain (RR), and progeny from different crosses against Vip3Aa39 was determined. RR was established from an F2 screening of a population from Texas sampled in 2019. RR had a resistance ratio of 45194.1‐fold against Vip3Aa39 relative to SS. Maternal effects and sex linkage were absent in RR. The dominance D value, calculated based on median lethal concentration (LC50) values, was −1.0 and the effective dominance (DML), calculated based on a given Vip3Aa39 concentration, was ≤0.0 at concentrations of 0.1–31.6 μg cm−2. The test using a monogenic mode of inheritance showed that resistance to Vip3Aa in H. zea was largely due to a single gene.

CONCLUSION

Results of this study indicate that Vip3Aa resistance in H. zea is monogenic, autosomal, and recessive. This information is valuable for studying the mechanism of Vip3Aa resistance, monitoring of resistance development, and designing appropriate strategies for preventive management of Vip3Aa resistance. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Efficacy and risks from a modified sodium nitrite toxic bait for wild pigs
Authors: Snow Nathan P , Wishart Jason D , Foster Justin A , Staples Linton D , VerCauteren Kurt C
Published: November 2020

BACKGROUND

Wild pigs (Sus scrofa) are a destructive invasive species throughout many regions of the world. In 2018, a field evaluation of an early prototype of a sodium nitrite (SN) toxic bait in the United States revealed wild pigs dropped large amounts of the toxic bait outside the pig‐specific bait stations while feeding, and thus subsequent hazards for non‐target animals. We modified the SN‐toxic bait formulation, the design of the bait station, and the baiting strategy to reduce dropped bait. We tested the modifications in Queensland, Australia (December 2018), Alabama, USA (August 2019), and Texas, USA (March 2020) under differing climatic and seasonal conditions for one night.

RESULTS

Cumulatively we found 161 carcasses of all age classes of wild pigs using systematic transects. Remote camera indices indicated high lethality for wild pigs, achieving population reductions of 76.3 to 90.4%. Wild pigs dropped only small particles of SN‐toxic bait (average = 55.5 g per bait site), which represented a 19‐fold decrease from the previous trial. Despite this reduction, we found three Australian ravens (Corvus coronoides) in Queensland, two Virginia opossums (Didelphis virginiana) in Alabama, and 35 granivorous‐passerine birds (mostly dark‐eyed juncos [Junco hyemalis]) in Texas dead from consuming the dropped bait. We did not detect any population‐level effects for those species.

CONCLUSION

Our modifications were effective at reducing populations of wild pigs, but the deaths of non‐target species require further steps to minimize these hazards. Next steps will include evaluating various deterrent devices for birds the morning after SN‐toxic bait has been offered. Published 2020. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA
Inference for two‐parameter Rayleigh competing risks data under generalized progressive hybrid censoring
Authors: Singh Devendra Pratap , Lodhi Chandrakant , Tripathi Yogesh Mani , Wang Liang
Published: November 2020

In this paper, a competing risks model based on the generalized progressive hybrid censored two‐parameter Rayleigh distributions is studied under the assumption that the lifetime distributions of failure causes are identically distributed with same location and different scale parameters. We obtain maximum likelihood estimates of unknown parameters with associated existence uniqueness. The approximate confidence intervals are constructed using the asymptotic distribution of maximum likelihood estimates via the observed information matrix. Further, Bayes point estimates and the highest probability density credible intervals of unknown parameters are presented, and the Gibbs sampling technique is used to approximate corresponding estimates. A Monte Carlo simulation study is conducted to compare the accuracy of proposed estimates. Finally, a real‐life example is presented for illustration purpose.
Fine‐Tuning Pore Dimension in Hybrid Ultramicroporous Materials Boosting Simultaneous Trapping of Trace Alkynes from Alkenes
Authors: Zhang Zhaoqiang , Ding Qi , Cui Jiyu , Cui Xili , Xing Huabin
Published: November 2020

Removing trace amounts of alkynes from alkenes is one of the most critical and challenging steps to produce high‐purity alkenes, the fundamental raw materials in petrochemical industry. Selective hydrogenation using noble metal catalysts under harsh conditions can convert trace alkynes to alkenes, but suffers from limited selectivity, over‐hydrogenation, and energy‐intensive consumption. Herein, the simultaneously adsorptive removal of trace propyne (C3H4) and acetylene (C2H2) from quaternary C2H2/C2H4/C3H4/C3H6 mixture is reported for the first time using an anion‐pillared hybrid ultramicroporous material ZU‐16‐Co (or TIFSIX‐3‐Co) by finely tuning the pore dimensions and introducing different binding sites to match the shape of alkynes. ZU‐16‐Co with contracted aperture size and judiciously extended cell dimension simultaneously exhibits superior trapping capacity for propyne under low concentration (2.45 mmol g−1 at 5000 ppm) and surprisingly high C2H2 uptake (4.18 and 1.4 mmol g−1 at 1.0 and 0.01 bar, respectively) through synergistic host–guest and guest–guest interactions. Importantly, the ability of ZU‐16‐Co to capture trace alkynes (C2H2 and C3H4) in one step is confirmed by breakthrough experiments for quaternary C3H4/C2H2/C3H6/C2H4 mixtures, presenting ZU‐16‐Co as a promising material for alkyne trapping.
A new location‐based privacy protection algorithm with deep learning
Authors: Alotaibi Reem , Alnazzawi Tahani , Hamza Nermin
Published: November 2020

A location‐based recommender system (LbRS) is a system which provides recommendations to a user related to his/her point of interest. In order to generate these recommendations, the LbRS uses personal information regarding the current location of the user. This creates serious privacy issues, as users' movements can be revealed through their location data. This paper proposes a new location‐based privacy protection method, and is divided into two stages. First, dummy locations are identified using query probability and distance. Second, a deep learning algorithm is trained to predict dummy locations. Then, the average entropy of each stage is used to compute final entropy. The results show that the proposed method outperforms standard methods such as random and farthest dummy location selection, although it is fractionally slower than the benchmark methods due to the encryption mechanism integrated into it to provide double‐layer security.
Modeling of Two‐Phase Flow in Blast Furnace Trough
Authors: Monteiro de Oliveira Marivaldo Júnior , Rodrigues Gustavo Fernando Ribeiro , Silva Itavahn Alves , Peixoto Johne Jesus Mol , Silva Carlos Antonio da
Published: November 2020

Almost 95% of the world's hot metal production is from blast furnaces, reaching a production of 1.2 billions tons in 2018 according to the World Steel Association. The trough is an important equipment within the blast furnace production process, promoting the separation between hot metal and slag after casting. However, the flow pattern inside the runner is understudied due to its complexity. Due to the turbulence in the trough during the casting, there is metal loss in the slag and also slag entrainment in the hot metal. The metal loss in the slag is the most critical situation as it directly affects the efficiency. The influence of flow rate as well as of geometrical parameters on the flow pattern inside the runner is analyzed by physical and numerical simulation. In the physical simulations, particle image velocimetry (PIV) as well as dye injection using HD cameras and residence time distribution (RTD) curves are used to characterize the flow. These techniques allow to validate the mathematical model created in CFX‐Ansys. This work stresses the changing flow features as the slag–metal ratio changes during the casting operation and the role of geometry as far as metal separation from the slag is concerned.
Closed‐form expressions for maximum mean discrepancy with applications to Wasserstein auto‐encoders
Authors: Rustamov Raif M.
Published: November 2020

The maximum mean discrepancy (MMD) has found numerous applications in statistics and machine learning, among which is its use as a penalty in the Wasserstein auto‐encoder (WAE). In this paper, we compute closed‐form expressions for estimating the Gaussian kernel‐based MMD between a given distribution and the standard multivariate normal distribution. This formula reveals a connection to the Baringhaus–Henze–Epps–Pulley (BHEP) statistic of the Henze–Zirkler test and provides further insights about the MMD. We introduce the standardized version of MMD as a penalty for the WAE training objective, allowing for a better interpretability of MMD values and more compatibility across different hyperparameter settings. Next, we propose code normalization–using batch normalization at the code layer–which has the benefits of making the kernel width selection easier, reducing the training effort, and preventing outliers in the aggregate code distribution. Our experiments on synthetic and real data show that the analytic formulation improves over the commonly used stochastic approximation of the MMD and demonstrate that code normalization provides significant benefits when training WAEs.
On α′-effects from D-branes in 4d $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 1
Authors: Weissenbacher Matthias
Published: November 2020

Abstract

In this work we study type IIB Calabi-Yau orientifold compactifications in the presence of space-time filling D7-branes and O7-planes. In particular, we conclude thatα′2gs-corrections to their DBI actions lead to a modification of the four-dimensional$$ \mathcal{N} $$N= 1 Kähler potential and coordinates. We focus on the one-modulus case of the geometric background i.e.h1,1= 1 where we find that theα′2gs-correction is of topological nature. It depends on the first Chern form of the four-cycle of the Calabi-Yau orientifold which is wrapped by the D7-branes and O7-plane. This is in agreement with our previous F-theory analysis and provides further evidence for a potential breaking of the no-scale structure at orderα′2gs. Corrected background solutions for the dilaton, the warp-factor as well as the internal space metric are derived. Additionally, we briefly discussα′-corrections from other Dp-branes.
Higgs decay to fermion pairs at NLO in SMEFT
Authors: Cullen Jonathan M. , Pecjak Benjamin D.
Published: November 2020

Abstract

The calculation of next-to-leading order (NLO) perturbative corrections at fixed operator dimension in Standard Model Effective Field Theory (SMEFT) has been a topic of much recent interest. In this paper we obtain the NLO corrections from dimension-6 operators to the Higgs boson decays $$ h\to f\overline{f} $$
h
→
f

f
¯

, where the fermions f ∈ {μ, τ, c}. This extends previous results for $$ h\to b\overline{b} $$
h
→
b

b
¯

to all phenomenologically relevant Higgs boson decays into fermions, and provides the basis for future precision analyses of these decays within effective field theory. We point out the benefits of studying ratios of decay rates into different fermions in SMEFT, the most surprising of which is enhanced sensitivity to anomalous hγγ and hgg couplings induced by flavor-universal SMEFT operators, especially in scenarios where flavor-dependent Wilson coefficients are constrained by Minimal Flavor Violation.
Rational points on abelian varieties over function fields and Prym varieties
Authors: Mohajer Abolfazl
Published: November 2020

In this paper, using a generalization of the notion of Prym variety for covers of projective varieties, we prove a structure theorem for the Mordell–Weil group of abelian varieties over function fields that are twists of abelian varieties by Galois covers of smooth projective varieties. In particular, the results we obtain contribute to the construction of Jacobians of high rank.
A MATSUMOTO–MOSTOW RESULT FOR ZIMMER’S COCYCLES OF HYPERBOLIC LATTICES
Authors: MORASCHINI M. , SAVINI A.
Published: November 2020

Following the philosophy behind the theory of maximal representations, we introduce the volume of a Zimmer’s cocycle Γ × X → PO° (n, 1), where Γ is a torsion-free (non-)uniform lattice in PO° (n, 1), with n > 3, and X is a suitable standard Borel probability Γ-space. Our numerical invariant extends the volume of representations for (non-)uniform lattices to measurable cocycles and in the uniform setting it agrees with the generalized version of the Euler number of self-couplings. We prove that our volume of cocycles satisfies a Milnor–Wood type inequality in terms of the volume of the manifold Γ\ℍn. Additionally this invariant can be interpreted as a suitable multiplicative constant between bounded cohomology classes. This allows us to define a family of measurable cocycles with vanishing volume. The same interpretation enables us to characterize maximal cocycles for being cohomologous to the cocycle induced by the standard lattice embedding via a measurable map X → PO° (n, 1) with essentially constant sign.

As a by-product of our rigidity result for the volume of cocycles, we give a different proof of the mapping degree theorem. This allows us to provide a complete characterization of maps homotopic to local isometries between closed hyperbolic manifolds in terms of maximal cocycles.

In dimension n = 2, we introduce the notion of Euler number of measurable cocycles associated to a closed surface group and we show that it extends the classic Euler number of representations. Our Euler number agrees with the generalized version of the Euler number of self-couplings up to a multiplicative constant. Imitating the techniques developed in the case of the volume, we show a Milnor–Wood type inequality whose upper bound is given by the modulus of the Euler characteristic of the associated closed surface. This gives an alternative proof of the same result for the generalized version of the Euler number of self-couplings. Finally, using the interpretation of the Euler number as a multiplicative constant between bounded cohomology classes, we characterize maximal cocycles as those which are cohomologous to the one induced by a hyperbolization.
A calculus for flows in periodic domains
Authors: Baddoo Peter J. , Ayton Lorna J.
Published: November 2020

Purpose: We present a constructive procedure for the calculation of 2-D potential flows in periodic domains with multiple boundaries per period window.

Methods: The solution requires two steps: (i) a conformal mapping from a canonical circular domain to the physical target domain, and (ii) the construction of the complex potential inside the circular domain. All singly periodic domains may be classified into three distinct types: unbounded in two directions, unbounded in one direction, and bounded. In each case, we use conformal mappings to relate the target periodic domain to a canonical circular domain with an appropriate branch structure.

Results: We then present solutions for a range of potential flow phenomena including flow singularities, moving boundaries, uniform flows, straining flows and circulatory flows.

Conclusion: By using the transcendental Schottky-Klein prime function, the ensuing solutions are valid for an arbitrary number of obstacles per period window. Moreover, our solutions are exact and do not require any asymptotic approximations.
Evolving evidence in the treatment of primary and recurrent posterior cruciate ligament injuries, part 1: anatomy, biomechanics and diagnostics
Authors: Winkler Philipp W. , Zsidai Bálint , Wagala Nyaluma N. , Hughes Jonathan D. , Horvath Alexandra , Senorski Eric Hamrin , Samuelsson Kristian , Musahl Volker
Published: November 2020

The posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) represents an intra-articular structure composed of two distinct bundles. Considering the anterior and posterior meniscofemoral ligaments, a total of four ligamentous fibre bundles of the posterior knee complex act synergistically to restrain posterior and rotatory tibial loads. Injury mechanisms associated with high-energy trauma and accompanying injury patterns may complicate the diagnostic evaluation and accuracy. Therefore, a thorough and systematic diagnostic workup is necessary to assess the severity of the PCL injury and to initiate an appropriate treatment approach. Since structural damage to the PCL occurs in more than one third of trauma patients experiencing acute knee injury with hemarthrosis, background knowledge for management of PCL injuries is important. In Part 1 of the evidence-based update on management of primary and recurrent PCL injuries, the anatomical, biomechanical, and diagnostic principles are presented. This paper aims to convey the anatomical and biomechanical knowledge needed for accurate diagnosis to facilitate subsequent decision-making in the treatment of PCL injuries.

Level of evidence V.
Primäre und sekundäre Herkunftseffekte über den Verlauf der Sekundarstufe: Eine Dekomposition an drei Bildungsübergängen
Authors: Scharf Jan , Becker Michael , Stallasch Sophie E. , Neumann Marko , Maaz Kai
Published: November 2020

Die Sekundarstufe ist gekennzeichnet durch eine Sequenz von Übergängen, an denen Ungleichheiten durch Leistungsdisparitäten (primäre Effekte) und Bildungsentscheidungen (sekundäre Effekte) nach sozialer Herkunft relevant werden. Diese Herkunftseffekte werden mit dem vorliegenden Beitrag erstmals anhand von Daten einer vollständigen Schülerkohorte (Hamburger KESS-Studie) über den gesamten Verlauf der Sekundarstufe vom Übergang ins Gymnasium bis zur Studienintention analysiert. Eine Dekomposition und Quantifizierung primärer und sekundärer Effekte mit der KHB-Methode erfolgt dabei erstmals auch für den Eintritt in die Oberstufe. Abnehmende absolute Herkunftseffekte über den Bildungsverlauf, auf die bisherige Befunde verschiedener Stichproben verweisen, können mit dieser Studie zum Teil bestätigt werden. Zum vermuteten relativen Bedeutungszuwachs sekundärer Effekte zeigen die Ergebnisse kein eindeutiges Muster: Beim Wechsel ins Gymnasium überwiegen primäre Effekte leicht, wenn Noten als Leistungsindikator verwendet werden. Beim Eintritt in die Oberstufe bleibt die Relation nahezu unverändert. Erst bei der Studienintention fällt die relative Bedeutung sekundärer Effekte größer aus.
Sediment Dynamics of a Divergent Bay–Marsh Complex
Authors: Nowacki Daniel J. , Ganju Neil K.
Published: November 2020

Bay–marsh systems, composed of an embayment surrounded by fringing marsh incised by tidal channels, are widely distributed coastal environments. External sediment availability, marsh-edge erosion, and sea-level rise acting on such bay–marsh complexes may drive diverse sediment-flux regimes. These factors reinforce the ephemeral and dynamic nature of fringing marshes: material released by marsh-edge erosion becomes part of a bay–marsh exchange that fuels the geomorphic evolution of the coupled system. The dynamics of this sediment exchange determine the balance among seaward export, deposition on the embayment seabed, flux into tidal channels, and import to the marsh platform. In this work, we investigate the sediment dynamics of a transgressive bay–marsh complex and link them to larger-scale considerations of its geomorphic trajectory. Grand Bay, Alabama/Mississippi, is a shallow microtidal embayment surrounded by salt marshes with lateral erosion rates of up to 5 m year−1. We collected 6 months of oceanographic data at four moorings within Grand Bay and its tidal channels to assess hydrographic conditions and net sediment-flux patterns and augmented the observations with numerical modeling. The observations imply a divergent sedimentary system in which a majority of the suspended sediment is exported seaward, while a smaller fraction is imported landward via tidal channels, assisting in vertical marsh-plain accumulation, maintenance of channel and intertidal-flat morphologies, and landward transgression. These results describe a dynamic system that is responsive to episodic atmospheric forcing in the absence of a strong tidal signal and the presence of severe lateral marsh loss.
In Vitro Study of a Stentless Aortic Bioprosthesis Made of Bacterial Cellulose
Authors: Dawidowska Kinga , Siondalski Piotr , Kołaczkowska Magdalena
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The paper present findings from an in vitro experimental study of a stentless human aortic bioprosthesis (HAB) made of bacterial cellulose (BC). Three variants of the basic model were designed and tested to identify the valve prosthesis with the best performance parameters. The modified models were made of BC, and the basic model of pericardium.

Methods

Each model (named V1, V2 and V3) was implanted into a 90 mm porcine aorta. Effective Orifice Area (EOA), rapid valve opening time (RVOT) and rapid valve closing time (RVCT) were determined. The flow resistance of each bioprosthesis model during the simulated heart systole, i.e. for the mean differential pressure (ΔP) at the time of full valve opening was measured. All experimental specimens were exposed to a mean blood pressure (MBP) of 90.5 ± 2.3 mmHg.

Results

The V3 model demonstrated the best performance. The index defining the maximum opening of the bioprosthesis during systole for models V1, V2 and V3 was 2.67 ± 0.59, 2.04 ± 0.23 and 2.85 ± 0.59 cm2, respectively. The mean flow rate through the V3 valve was 5.7 ± 1, 6.9 ± 0.7 and 8.9 ± 1.4 l/min for stroke volume (SV) of 65, 90 and 110 mL, respectively. The phase of immediate opening and closure for models V1, V2 and V3 was 8, 7 and 5% of the cycle duration, respectively. The mean flow resistance of the models was: 4.07 ± 2.1, 4.28 ± 2.51 and 5.6 ± 2.32 mmHg.

Conclusions

The V3 model of the aortic valve prosthesis is the most effective. In vivo tests using BC as a structural material for this model are recommended. The response time of the V3 model to changed work conditions is comparable to that of a healthy human heart. The model functions as an aortic valve prosthesis in in vitro conditions.
The Effects of Exercise on Indirect Markers of Gut Damage and Permeability: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Chantler Sarah , Griffiths Alex , Matu Jamie , Davison Glen , Jones Ben , Deighton Kevin
Published: November 2020

Aim

Exercise appears to cause damage to the endothelial lining of the human gastrointestinal tract and elicit a significant increase in gut permeability.

Objective

The aim of this review was to determine the effect of an acute bout of exercise on gut damage and permeability outcomes in healthy populations using a meta-analysis.

Methods

PubMed, The Cochrane Library as well as MEDLINE, SPORTDiscus and CINHAL, via EBSCOhost were searched through February 2019. Studies were selected that evaluated urinary (ratio of disaccharide/monosaccharide excretion) or plasma markers [intestinal Fatty Acid Binding Protein (i-FABP)] of gut permeability and gut cell damage in response to a single bout of exercise.

Results

A total of 34 studies were included. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed, and showed a large and moderate effect size for markers of gut damage (i-FABP) (ES 0.81; 95% CI 0.63–0.98; n = 26; p < 0.001) and gut permeability (Disaccharide Sugar/Monosaccharide Sugar) (ES 0.70; 95% CI 0.29–1.11; n = 17; p < 0.001), respectively. Exercise performed in hot conditions (> 23 °C) further increased markers of gut damage compared with thermoneutral conditions [ES 1.06 (95% CI 0.88–1.23) vs. 0.66 (95% CI 0.43–0.89); p < 0.001]. Exercise duration did not have any significant effect on gut damage or permeability outcomes.

Conclusions

These findings demonstrate that a single bout of exercise increases gut damage and gut permeability in healthy participants, with gut damage being exacerbated in hot environments. Further investigation into nutritional strategies to minimise gut damage and permeability after exercise is required. PROSPERO database number (CRD42018086339).
Marker allergens in Hymenoptera venom al﻿l﻿ergy — Characteristics and potential use in preci﻿sion medicine
Authors: Blank Simon , Bilò Maria Beatrice , Grosch Johannes , Schmidt-Weber Carsten B. , Ollert Markus , Jakob Thilo
Published: November 2020

Background

A comprehensive diagnostic work-up is essential to ensure adequate patient management for the potentially life-threatening condition of Hymenoptera venom allergy (HVA). This includes an unambiguous identification of the allergy-relevant venom as prerequisite for successful venom-specific immunotherapy (VIT). If the clinical history does not allow the identification of the culprit insect, diagnosis is often hampered by positive test results to various venoms. Modern component-resolved diagnostics (CRD) applying marker allergens of Hymenoptera venoms has created new opportunities which facilitate therapeutic decisions and may allow personalized risk stratification for individual patients.

Methods

Comprehensive literature search and critical analysis of recently published studies on Hymenoptera venom allergens and CRD.

Results and discussion

Changing the research focus from whole venom extracts to individual allergenic molecules led to the development of CRD in HVA. The currently available CRD is a valuable tool to resolve cross-reactivity and primary sensitization, particularly in honeybee and vespid venom allergy. Hence, CRD has simplified therapeutic decisions in case of multiple positive test results, especially in patients who were not able to identify the culprit insect or in cases of discrepancies between clinical history and classical diagnostic results. Moreover, there is first evidence that sensitization to particular allergens might serve as biomarkers to predict risk for severe side-effects during VIT or even for VIT failure. To date, a clear limitation of CRD is the currently available allergen panel which does not allow a definite resolution of allergy to different vespid species such as yellow jackets and European paper wasps.
Teilhabefokus und Soziologie sozialer Probleme. Eine Erkundung zu Forschungspotenzialen am Beispiel der Behinderungsfrage
Authors: Wacker Elisabeth
Published: November 2020

Teilhabeforschung hat Potenzial. Dies kann für das Feld der sozialen Probleme analysiert werden. Wie gesellschaftlicher Zusammenhalt in Verschiedenheit gelingen kann, wird hier am Beispiel der Vielfaltsdimension Behinderung systematisch reflektiert. Gerade mit Aufmerksamkeit für die Überschneidungen von Diversitätsmerkmalen wird dabei aufgedeckt, wie Behinderung als soziales Problem entsteht.

Diskurse um Diversität und Inklusion erweisen sich zusätzlich in der Ungleichheitsforschung als nützlich, weil sie die Diversitätsdimension Behinderung aus einem Schattendasein ins angemessene Licht rücken und zugleich den historisch gewachsenen festen Zugriff der Eingliederungshilfe auf dieses Handlungsfeld lockern. Zudem etablieren sich Diversität und Inklusion als sozialwissenschaftliche Trendsetter. Eine Abgrenzung des Teilhabekonzepts als relativ reale Realität von ihnen gelingt jedoch nur schwer.

In einem heraufziehenden Inklusions-Diversitäts-Dilemma kann Teilhabeforschung als Mediatorin agieren. Denn aus den andauernden Diskursen zur Teilhabe lassen sich Aspekte für planvolles Durchdenken und Gestalten ableiten. Passgenau in den jeweiligen Handlungsfeldern entsteht schließlich Teilhabe durch Teilhabe. Wichtig ist dabei zum einen eine verbindende kulturelle bzw. menschenrechtliche Perspektive: Alle sind gleich. Ebenso liegt die konstruktive Auseinandersetzung mit der Gegenwartsgesellschaft der Vielfältigen auf der Hand, denn alle sind verschieden, wobei schließlich drittens auch die Sicht auf Teilhabe inklusive zentral wirkt, denn sie lädt dazu ein, Abschied zu nehmen von Gleichschaltungsanliegen. Stattdessen fördert sie Formen der Gemeinschaft, in der Selbstbestimmung und Teilhabe, Vielfalt und Gleichwertigkeit, Inklusion und Exklusion als Entdeckungszusammenhang in Teilhabefeldern verwoben sind. So gelangen Verfahren der Inklusion als genereller gesellschaftlicher Wandlungsprozess, als Strategie der Grenzüberschreitung und des Zutritts in Greifweite.