bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An efficient high‐speed countercurrent chromatography method for preparative isolation of highly potent anti‐cancer compound antroquinonol from Antrodia camphorata after experimental design optimized extraction
Authors: Tao Yi , Chen Lin , Pu Faxiang , Xie Zhangfu , Tong Shengqiang , Yan Jizhong
Published: April 2021

To avoid irreversible stationary phase adsorption and tedious and time‐consuming separation steps, high‐speed countercurrent chromatography was employed for the preparative separation of anti‐tumor compound antroquinonol from solid fermentation culture of Antrodia camphorata for the first time. A Box–Behnken experimental design, based on three parameters including liquid‐to‐solid ratio, extraction time, and extraction temperature, was applied to optimize the ultrasonic extraction procedure. The optimal extraction condition was set as follows: liquid‐to‐solid ratio: 49.57:1; extraction time: 55.76 min; extraction temperature was arranged as 44.21°C. Meanwhile, an optimized solvent system containing petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, methanol, and water (4:1:4:1, v/v/v/v) was selected for the preparative separation of antroquinonol at a flow rate of 2.0 mL/min. The yield of isolated antroquinonol was determined to be 6.0 mg from 0.67 g of ethyl acetate extracts. The isolated antroquinonol was elucidated by ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry, and NMR spectroscopy, and by comparison with literature data. The purity of isolated antroquinonol was determined to be 97.12%. This study confirmed that high‐speed countercurrent chromatography was powerful and cost‐effective for the preparative separation of the high‐potently anti‐tumor compound antroquinonol from solid fermentation culture of A. camphorata.
Hypotony Without Globe Rupture During Orbital Fracture Repair
Authors: Schein Yvette L. , Bautista Sana Ali , Kam Joanna
Published: April 2021

A 29‐year‐old male presented to the emergency department with an orbital fracture. He denied ocular symptoms and CT showed bilateral fracture of nasal bones, left medial orbital wall, and left orbital floor, with herniation of orbital fat and minimal retrobulbar hematoma. Pre‐operative ophthalmic exam was unremarkable. Intra‐operatively, intraocular pressure of the left eye was 5 mm Hg, a significant change from 17 mm Hg preoperatively. Globe exploration revealed no injury. Post‐operatively, IOP normalized. With these findings it was felt that ocular manipulation related to the orbital fracture repair placed significant and intermittent pressure on the globe, thereby lowering IOP. Laryngoscope, 131:2238–2240, 2021
Polymeric Nanosystems for Immunogenic Cell Death‐Based Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Fu Liwen , Zhou Xiaojun , He Chuanglong
Published: April 2021

Immunotherapy has pointed out a scientific and promising direction for cancer treatment through the rouse of immunosurveillance and the decrease of possible side effects in recent years. In immunotherapy, immunogenic cancer cell death (ICD) plays a critical role in regulating anti‐cancer immune system in vivo via the release of damage‐associated molecular patterns. ICD can not only induce in situ cancer cells apoptosis, but also arouse the immune response against metastatic tumors, which is of great clinical significance to eradicate tumors. In cancer immunotherapy, polymer nanoparticles have drawn increasing attention as an important component of ICD‐based immunotherapy attributing to their controllable size, excellent biocompatibility, promising ability of protecting cargo from surrounding environment, which delivers the antigens or immune inducers to antigen‐presenting cells, and further triggers sinnvoll T cell response. In this review, the recent advances in the development of polymeric material‐based nanosystems for ICD‐mediated cancer immunotherapy are summarized. The mechanism of ICD and some current restrictions inhibiting the efficiency of immunotherapy and future prospects are also discussed.
Medicaid serving as laboratory for state health equity initiatives
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: April 2021

Several states are leveraging the opportunity for Medicaid innovation to make inroads in achieving health equity for racial minorities and other marginalized groups, according to a blog entry posted this month in Health Affairs. The post's lead author told MHW that for such efforts to succeed over the long term, behavioral health integration must become a central component.
Comparing complications in irradiated and non‐irradiated free‐flaps in patients with bilateral immediate breast reconstruction and unilateral post‐mastectomy radiotherapy
Authors: Ly Catherine L. , Khetpal Sumun , Heller Danielle R. , Higgins Susan A. , Killelea Brigid , Alperovich Michael , Avraham Tomer
Published: April 2021

Background

Numerous studies have evaluated the effect of post‐mastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT) on autologous breast reconstruction, but the variability of PMRT regimens and inadequate controls have made results difficult to interpret. Therefore, in this study, irradiated free‐flaps are compared to non‐irradiated internal controls in patients who underwent immediate bilateral reconstruction followed by unilateral PMRT to better delineate the effect of PMRT. The role of regional nodal irradiation (RNI) is also specifically assessed.

Methods

Appropriate patients were identified through retrospective review. Complications such as fat necrosis, fibrosis, infection, delayed healing, and flap loss, as well as revision surgeries, among the irradiated free‐flaps were compared to those on the contralateral non‐irradiated side. Additional analyses were performed to evaluate the effect of patient demographics and treatment characteristics, such as RNI, on complications involving the irradiated free‐flaps.

Results

Seventy‐three women were included. There was no significant difference between complication rates for the irradiated and non‐irradiated free‐flaps (39.7% vs. 38.4%, p = .78), although irradiated free‐flaps were more likely to have fibrosis (17.0% vs. 0.0%; p < .0001) and multiple complications (9.6% vs. 0.0%; p = .02). Both groups underwent a similar number of revision surgeries (42.5% vs. 41.1%; p = .29). Looking at the irradiated free‐flaps, internal mammary node (IMN) irradiation was the only factor predictive of complications (IRR 3.80, CI 1.32–10.97; p = .01).

Conclusions

PMRT may contribute to free‐flap fibrosis, but does not appear to affect the overall risk of complications or revision surgeries. However, additional counseling is warranted if IMN irradiation is likely, as it is potentially associated with increased complications.
Double‐diffusive flow in a porous right‐angle trapezoidal enclosure with constant heat flux
Authors: Khan Zafar H. , Khan Waqar A. , Qasim Muhammad , Du Min
Published: April 2021

A computation analysis is performed to study double‐diffusive natural convection in a right‐angle trapezoidal cavity packed with a porous medium. The horizontal top and bottom boundaries are insulated and impermeable. The vertical left sidewall is kept at a constant heat flux and high concentration, whereas the inclined sidewall is held at lower temperature and concentration. The dimensionless nonlinear system is solved by employing the finite difference method along the successive Under Relaxation technique. The findings are compared and validated with the existing literature for the Darcy flow driven through a single buoyancy effect (difference in density is only due to temperature variations) in a porous square enclosure. The numerical results are expressed in the form of streamlines, isotherms and iso‐concentrations, and local and average Nusselt and Sherwood numbers. It is observed that the buoyancy parameter reduces the dimensionless temperature of the cavity and increases the dimensionless concentration due to the strong impact of buoyancy. Smaller values of the Lewis number enhance heat transfer, whereas higher values reduce it. Moreover, the Rayleigh number and buoyancy parameter enhance both surface heat and concentration rates.
Analysis of fractional‐order nonlinear dynamic systems under Caputo differential operator
Authors: Yusuf Abdullahi , Acay Bahar , Inc Mustafa
Published: April 2021

The current study presents a detailed analysis of two crucial real‐world problems under the Caputo fractional derivative in order to deliver some desired results for the ecosystem. In view of the fact that memory effect plays a vital role in the application, we utilize an advantageous non‐local fractional operator to investigate and analyze a mathematical model of the planktonic ecosystem and biological system for the ecosystem on Planet GLIA‐2. On the other hand, theoretical and numerical results are given for the model created for phytoplankton, which is of great importance in preventing global warming, and the biological model. Existence and uniqueness are discussed for the solutions of both models with the help of the fixed‐point theorem under the Caputo operator. Additionally, the first‐order convergent numerical technique which is accurate, conditionally stable, and convergent in obtaining the solution of fractional‐order nonlinear systems of ordinary differential equations is utilized to simulate the two governing models. Numerical simulations including different values of arbitrary orderρindicate the righteousness of the conditions for phytoplankton, Jancor, Murrot, and Vekton populations to develop.
Determination of density and compressive strength of lightweight foamed concrete using frequency domain approach
Authors: Lee Kim Yee , Phua Yeong‐Nan , Lim Siong‐Kang , You Kok Yeow , Cheng Ee Meng
Published: April 2021

A fast and nondestructive method for predicting density and compressive strength of Lightweight Foamed Concrete (LFC) is proposed. The measurement is carried out using a frequency domain approach to determine the Lightweight Foamed Concrete dielectric constant from a frequency range of 150 kHz to 8 GHz. The relations of the dielectric, density, and compressive strength of lightweight foamed concrete has been investigated, and the correlation models have been formulated using Jonscher fitting model. The results show a close estimation with the relative error controlled within 2.6% and 6.0% for the density and the compression strength computation, respectively. The proposed frequency domain method is shown to be effective and can be applied to determine the mechanical attributes as well as the electrical properties of the LFC simultaneously.
Organic Based Additives Impact on Thermal Behavior of Ammonium Perchlorate: Superior 4, 4′‐Bipyridine Versus Inferior Biphenyl
Authors: Salehi Samie , Eslami Abbas
Published: April 2021

For the first time, the thermal decomposition behavior of heterogeneous mixtures of ammonium perchlorate (AP) with two organic additives – 4, 4’‐Bipyridine, and biphenyl – were investigated. The heterogeneous mixtures of the additives and ammonium perchlorate were prepared by dissolving 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 mg of the organic additives and 100 mg ammonium perchlorate in 2 ml of methanol as solvent. After that, the thermal decomposition behavior of prepared solid heterogeneous mixtures was monitored by thermogravimetry analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and mass spectrometry analysis. The effect of the 4, 4’‐Bipyridine on thermal decomposition of AP enhanced the released heat from 479 to 1842 J g−1 and produced a decrease of decomposition temperature from 433 °C to 308 °C while the thermal decomposition of AP in the presence of biphenyl did not change as dramatically as it did with 4, 4’‐Bipyridine. With biphenyl, the decomposition temperature was found to be similar to that of pure AP and the evolved heat was about 718 J g−1. The gaseous products of decomposition of 4, 4’‐Bipyridine /ammonium perchlorate were monitored by mass spectrometric analysis. The main evolved decomposition gases of pure AP are N2O, O2, Cl2, ClO, ClO2, ClO3, HClO4, and HCl, while the major gaseous products of the 5:100 (w/w) mixture of 4, 4’‐Bipyridine with AP were detected as N2, NO, N2O, O2, Cl2, ClO, ClO2, ClO3, HClO4, HCl and 4, 4’‐Bipyridine. The change in the composition of volatile products indicates a change in the mechanism of AP decomposition from proton transfer to electron transfer in the presence of 4, 4’‐Bipyridine.
Structural and mechanistic insight into stem‐loop RNA processing by yeast Pichia stipitis Dicer
Authors: Chan JingRu , Qinqin Fu , Jianwei Li , Ying Chen , Machida Satoru , Wei Chen , Yuan Yuren Adam , Jobichen Chacko
Published: April 2021

Dicer is a member of the ribonuclease III enzyme family and processes double‐stranded RNA into small functional RNAs. The variation in the domain architecture of Dicer among different species whilst preserving its biological dicing function is intriguing. Here, we describe the structure and function of a novel catalytically active RNase III protein, a non‐canonical Dicer (PsDCR1), found in budding yeast Pichia stipitis. The structure of the catalytically active region (the catalytic RNase III domain and double‐stranded RNA‐binding domain 1 [dsRBD1]) of DCR1 showed that RNaseIII domain is structurally similar to yeast RNase III (Rnt1p) but uniquely presents dsRBD1 in a diagonal orientation, forming a catalytic core made of homodimer and large RNA‐binding surface. The second dsRNA binding domain at C‐terminus, which is absent in Rnt1, enhances the RNA cleavage activity. Although the cleavage pattern of PsDCR1 anchors an apical loop similar to Rnt1, the cleavage activity depended on the sequence motif at the lower stem, not the apical loop, of hairpin RNA. Through RNA sequencing and RNA mutations, we showed that RNA cleavage by PsDCR1 is determined by the stem‐loop structure of the RNA substrate, suggesting the possibility that stem‐loop RNA‐guided gene silencing pathway exists in budding yeast.
Marker residue types at the structural regions of transmembrane alpha‐helical and beta‐barrel interfaces
Authors: Beytur Sercan
Published: April 2021

Membrane proteins play a variety of biological functions to the survival of organisms and functionalities of these proteins are often due to their homo‐ or hetero‐complexation. Encoded by ~30% of the genome in most organisms, they represent the target of over half of nowadays drugs. Spanning the entirety of the cell membrane, transmembrane proteins are the most common type of membrane proteins and can be classified by secondary structures: alpha‐helical and beta‐barrel structures. Protein‐protein interaction (PPI) have been widely studied for globular proteins and many computational tools are available for predicting PPI sites and construct models of complexes. Here, the structural regions of a non‐redundant set of 232 alpha‐helical and 37 beta‐barrel transmembrane complexes and their interfaces are analyzed. Using the residue composition, frequency and propensity, this study brings the light on the marker residue types located at the structural regions of alpha‐helical and beta‐barrel transmembrane homomeric protein complexes and of their interfaces. This study also shows the necessity to relate the frequency to the composition into a ratio for immediately figuring out residue types presenting high frequencies at the interface and/or at one of its structural regions despite being a minor contributor compared to other residue types to that location's residue composition.
Amphiphilic conjugates of ferrocene with amino acids and peptides: Design, synthesis, and studies on their aggregation behavior
Authors: Gurunarayanan Vinithra , Ramapanicker Ramesh
Published: April 2021

A new class of ferrocenyl surfactants based on covalent linkage between amino acids or peptides and ferrocene was designed. Accordingly, five ferrocenyl amphiphiles, FcS1–5, were synthesized, and their aggregation behaviors in aqueous solutions were studied. Compared to the other surfactants containing ferrocenyl units, FcS have a relatively smaller size and low molecular weight and are easy to synthesize. The influences of the number of carboxylic acid head groups and the number of Fc group in the hydrophobic tail, on the stability and aggregation behavior of these amphiphiles in aqueous medium, were explored to deduce the structure property relationships. A combination of fluorescence and dynamic light scattering techniques was used to elucidate the behavior of these molecules. A good agreement between the results obtained using different techniques was observed.
A General Polymer‐Oriented Acid‐Mediated Self‐Assembly Approach toward Crystalline Mesoporous Metal Sulfides
Authors: Zhou Hongru , Xiong Hailong , Zhang Rui , Zhang Liangliang , Zhang Ling , Li Lin , Zhang Wei , Zhu Zhu , Qiao Zhen‐An
Published: April 2021

Mesoporous metal sulfides (MMSs) with high surface areas and large pore volumes show great potential in many applications such as gas sensing, photodetection, and catalysis. However, the synthesis of MMSs is still challenging due to the uncontrollable fast precipitation between metal ions and S2− ions and the large volume contraction during the conversion of metal precursors to sulfides. Here, a general polymer‐oriented acid‐mediated self‐assembly method to synthesize highly crystalline MMSs (e.g., ZnS, CdS, Ni3S4, CuS, and ZnxCd1−xS) by using polyethylenimine (PEI) as pore‐forming agent is reported. In this method, acetic acid is designed as pH regulator and coordination agent to control the interactions between inorganic precursors and PEI, and adjust the reaction kinetics of metal ions and thioacetamide. This method endows a high degree of control over crystal structure and porous structure of MMSs. The surface areas and pore volumes of obtained MMSs are as high as 157 m2 g−1 and 1.149 cm3 g−1, respectively. Benefiting from the abundant mesopores and homojunctions, mesoporous Zn0.56Cd0.44S shows a superior photocatalytic H2 generation rate of 14.3 mmol h−1 g−1.
Polyvinylcarbazole as an Efficient Interfacial Modifier for Low‐Cost Perovskite Solar Cells with CuInS2/Carbon Hole‐Collecting Electrode
Authors: Ghavaminia Ehsan , Behrouznejad Fatemeh , Forouzandeh Mozhdeh , Khosroshahi Rouhollah , Darbari Sara , Zhan Yiqiang , Taghavinia Nima
Published: April 2021

Different polymers have been already introduced for passivating the interfacial defects at the interface of perovskite and the organic hole transport material, meanwhile as an environmental barrier in perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Herein, polyvinylcarbazole (PVK) compared to polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) at the interface of the perovskite (Cs0.05(MA0.83FA0.17)0.95Pb(Br0.17I0.83)3) layer and CuInS2/carbon as a low‐cost inorganic hole‐collecting electrode are investigated. By suppressing interfacial recombination using PMMA and PVK, saturation current density (in dark current) decreases one order of magnitude from 7.9 × 10−10 to 4.0 × 10−11 mA cm−2 by adding PMMA and two orders of magnitude to 9.4 × 10−12 mA cm−2 by adding PVK. By decreasing charge‐transfer resistance (measured by impedance spectroscopy), fill factor is increased (from 0.61) to 0.62 and 0.69, respectively. The efficiency of PSC with PVK/CuInS2/carbon hole‐collecting electrode is 17.69% that is significantly higher and more reproducible than that of PMMA/CuInS2/carbon and CuInS2/carbon hole‐collecting electrodes. It seems these interfacial layers also act as a barrier against penetration of carbon black and CuInS2 nanoparticles through the perovskite holes and have the functionality of a binder layer to improve the interfacial area.
Solvent‐Additive Engineering‐Assisted Improvement of Interface Contact for Producing Highly Efficient Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Zhang Fan , Hou Youzheng , Wang Song , Zhang Hanhong , Zhou Feifan , Hao Yuying , Ye Shuai , Cai Houzhi , Song Jun , Qu Junle
Published: April 2021

Inverted perovskite solar cells (IPSCs) suffer from perishing interface contact due to the non‐wetting hole‐transport layer (HTL). Herein, the several classes of solvent to the perovskite precursor (the process is defined as solvent‐additive engineering) for achieving an improvement in the interface contact between nonwetting HTL and active perovskite layer, suitably achieving improved hole‐interface charge transfer, are mixed. Also, a high‐quality perovskite layer with high crystallinity, large grain distribution, and flat surface morphology is obtained based on solvent‐additive engineering, which affords a lower bulk and interface trap density. IPSCs with the modified perovskite layer show suppression of nonradiative recombination on the surface and in the bulk of the perovskite, thereby achieving an outstanding power conversion efficiency of 20.6%. In addition, IPSCs using a mixed‐cation perovskite (FA0.83Cs0.07MA0.13PbI2.64Br0.39) are also fabricated and a highest efficiency of 22.1%, visualizing the broad applicability of this method, is achieved. This simple, low‐cost, and efficient solvent‐additive strategy can solve interface contact problems and improve perovskite quality, thus potentially giving rise to other applications.
27.9% Efficient Monolithic Perovskite/Silicon Tandem Solar Cells on Industry Compatible Bottom Cells
Authors: Köhnen Eike , Wagner Philipp , Lang Felix , Cruz Alexandros , Li Bor , Roß Marcel , Jošt Marko , Morales-Vilches Anna B. , Topič Marko , Stolterfoht Martin , Neher Dieter , Korte Lars , Rech Bernd , Schlatmann Rutger , Stannowski Bernd , Albrecht Steve
Published: April 2021

Monolithic perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells recently surpass the efficiency of silicon single‐junction solar cells. Most tandem cells utilize >250 μm thick, planarized float‐zone (FZ) silicon, which is not compatible with commercial production using <200 μm thick Czochralski (CZ) silicon. The perovskite/silicon tandem cells based on industrially relevant 100 μm thick CZ‐silicon without mechanical planarization are demonstrated. The best power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 27.9% is only marginally below the 28.2% reference value obtained on the commonly used front‐side polished FZ‐Si, which are about three times thicker. With both wafer types showing the same median PCE of 27.8%, the thin CZ‐Si‐based devices are preferred for economic reasons. To investigate perspectives for improved current matching and, therefore, further efficiency improvement, optical simulations with planar and textured silicon have been conducted: the perovskite's bandgap needs to be increased by ≈0.02 eV when reducing the silicon thickness from 280 to 100 μm. The need for bandgap enlargement has a strong impact on future tandem developments ensuring photostable compositions with lossless interfaces at bandgaps around or above 1.7 eV.
When is epistemic dependence disvaluable?
Authors: Gaultier Benoit ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: April 2021

There clearly seems to be something problematic with certain forms of epistemic dependence. However, it has proved surprisingly difficult to articulate what this problem is exactly. My aim in this paper is to make clear when it is problematic to rely on others or on artefacts and technologies that are external to us for the acquisition and maintenance of our beliefs, and why. In order to do so, I focus on the neuromedia thought experiment. After having rejected different ways in which one might want to capture the intuition in question, I argue that this device deprives us of understanding and therefore of the most valuable epistemic good. I then address the question of whether the moral of the story is that we should not develop, be equipped with, or use devices such as the neuromedia.
Pitavastatin and metformin synergistically activate apoptosis and autophagy in pancreatic cancer cells
Authors: Chen Ya‐Hui , Huang Ying‐Chih , Yang Shun‐Fa , Yen Hsu‐Heng , Tsai Horng‐Der , Hsieh Ming‐Chia , Hsiao Yi‐Hsuan
Published: April 2021

Pancreatic cancer is the seventh leading cause of cancer‐related deaths globally. Metformin is the standard first‐line of treatment for hyperglycemia in Type 2 diabetes, whereas pitavastatin is a cholesterol‐lowering drug used to prevent cardiovascular diseases. Both these agents evidently exert anticancer effects on pancreatic cancer; however, it remains unclear whether cotreatment using them has additive or synergistic anticancer effects on pancreatic cancer. Thus, we herein used the ASPC‐1 and PANC‐1 cells and treated them with metformin and/or pitavastatin. We performed the cell viability assay, transwell migration assay, and cell cycle analysis using flow cytometry. Western blotting was used to determine protein levels. We found that cotreatment with metformin (30 mM) and pitavastatin (10 μM) significantly reduced cell viability; caused G0/G1 cell cycle arrest; upregulated the expression levels of Bax, PCNA, cleaved PARP‐1, cleaved caspase‐3, LC3 II, and p27 Kip1/p21Cip1; and inhibited cell migration. The combination index value for cell viability indicated a synergistic interaction between metformin and pitavastatin. Moreover, cotreating the cells with metformin (30 mM) and pitavastatin (10 μM) could preserve mitochondrial function, activate AMPK, and inhibit PI3K/mTOR than treatment with metformin or pitavastatin alone. These findings clearly indicated that metformin plus pitavastatin had a synergistic anticancer effect on pancreatic cancer cells, potentially caused due to the activation of AMPK and inhibition of PI3K/mTOR signaling. Altogether, our results provide that use of metformin plus pitavastatin maybe serve as a chemotherapeutic agent for human pancreatic cancer in future.
[Ti(fpin)3]2−: a structurally characterized transition metal tris(perfluoropinacolato) complex
Authors: Heinemann Jan , Klüfers Peter
Published: April 2021

The reaction of TiCl3 ⋅ 3THF with perfluoropinacol (H2fpin), triethylamine and silver nitrite in acetonitrile yielded in the formation of the first tris(perfluoropinacolato) complex with a transition metal, (HNEt3)3[TiIV(fpin)3]NO2 (1). The compound was fully characterized with IR and UV‐vis spectroscopy as well as elemental analysis and single crystal X‐ray diffraction. The structure of 1 is compared with that of known homoleptic titanium(IV) compounds and the only other structurally resolved tris(perfluoropinacolato)metallate, the stannate(IV) (HNEt3)2[Sn(fpin)3] ⋅ 2acetone.
Argyres-Douglas theories, S-duality and AGT correspondence
Authors: Kimura Takuya , Nishinaka Takahiro , Sugawara Yuji , Uetoko Takahiro
Published: April 2021

Abstract

We propose a Nekrasov-type formula for the instanton partition functions of four-dimensional $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 U(2) gauge theories coupled to (A1, D2n) Argyres-Douglas theories. This is carried out by extending the generalized AGT correspondence to the case of U(2) gauge group, which requires us to define irregular states of the direct sum of Virasoro and Heisenberg algebras. Using our formula, one can evaluate the contribution of the (A1, D2n) theory at each fixed point on the U(2) instanton moduli space. As an application, we evaluate the instanton partition function of the (A3, A3) theory to find it in a peculiar relation to that of SU(2) gauge theory with four fundamental flavors. From this relation, we read off how the S-duality group acts on the UV gauge coupling of the (A3, A3) theory.
Should We Strive to Make Science Bias-Free? A Philosophical Assessment of the Reproducibility Crisis
Authors: Hudson Robert
Published: April 2021

Recently, many scientists have become concerned about an excessive number of failures to reproduce statistically significant effects. The situation has become dire enough that the situation has been named the ‘reproducibility crisis’. After reviewing the relevant literature to confirm the observation that scientists do indeed view replication as currently problematic, I explain in philosophical terms why the replication of empirical phenomena, such as statistically significant effects, is important for scientific progress. Following that explanation, I examine various diagnoses of the reproducibility crisis, and argue that for the majority of scientists the crisis is due, at least in part, to a form of publication bias. This conclusion sets the stage for an assessment of the view that evidential relations in science are inherently value-laden, a view championed by Heather Douglas and Kevin Elliott. I argue, in response to Douglas and Elliott, and as motivated by the meta-scientific resistance scientists harbour to a publication bias, that if we advocate the value-ladenness of science the result would be a deepening of the reproducibility crisis.
Nonlinear model standardization for the analysis and design of nonlinear systems with multiple equilibria
Authors: Zhu Yun-Peng , Lang Z. Q. , Guo Yu-Zhu
Published: April 2021

In engineering practice, a nonlinear system stable about several equilibria is often studied by linearizing the system over a small range of operation around each of these equilibria, and allowing the study of the system using linear system methods. Theoretically, for operations beyond a small range but still within the stable regime of an equilibrium, the system behaves nonlinearly, and can be described and investigated using the Volterra series approach. However, there is still no available approach that can systematically transform the model of a nonlinear system into a form that can be studied over the whole stable regime about an equilibrium so as to facilitate the system study using the Volterra series approach. This transformation is, in the present study, referred to as nonlinear model standardization, which is the extension of the well-known concept of linearization to the nonlinear case. In this paper, a novel approach to nonlinear model standardization is proposed for nonlinear systems that can be described by a Nonlinear AutoRegressive model with eXogeneous input (NARX) or a nonlinear differential equation (NDE) model. The proposed approach is then used in three case studies covering the applications in nonlinear system analysis, nonlinear system design, and nonlinearity compensation, respectively, demonstrating the significance of the proposed nonlinear model standardization in a wide range of engineering practices.
Human Values and Retirement Experiences: a Longitudinal Analysis of Norwegian Data
Authors: Blekesaune Morten , Hansen Thomas
Published: April 2021

Motivational factors, such as one’s value system, may affect how people cope with the opportunities and challenges of retirement. This article explores the moderating roles of Schwartz’s four basic values (self-enhancement, self-transcendence, openness to change, and conservation) on the magnitude and duration of retirement effects on life satisfaction between two waves (2007 and 2017) of the Norwegian Life course, Ageing and Generation (NorLAG) study. Fixed-effect regression analyses are run separately for men and women to account for gender differences in the attachments and identities tied to work and non-work domains. Retirement is not a uniform experience, and findings show that retirement experiences are structured by gender and personal values. Holding values with a personal focus (self-enhancement and openness to change) is associated withlessbeneficial effects of retirement among men but not among women. Men holding these values may struggle to find new and stimulating avenues for experiencing personal success and variety after retirement. Holding values with a social focus (self-transcendence and conservation) is unrelated to retirement effects.
Periodontal health related–inflammatory and metabolic profiles of patients with end-stage renal disease: potential strategy for predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine
Authors: Ma Xiaoxin , Wang Yongli , Wu Hongyu , Li Fei , Feng Xiping , Xie Yingxin , Xie Danshu , Wang Wenji , Lo Edward Chin Man , Lu Haixia
Published: April 2021

Objectives

To compare the periodontal health related–inflammatory and metabolic differences between patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and healthy controls (HC), and to identify potential biomarkers in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and serum of ESRD patients for predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine (PPPM).

Methods

Patients with ESRD (ESRD group; n = 52) and healthy controls (HC group; n = 44) were recruited. Clinical periodontal parameters were recorded. The differential metabolites in the GCF and serum were identified by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS). Inflammatory markers including interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), and C-reactive protein (CRP) were also assessed.

Results

In the ESRD group, IL-8 and CRP were significantly higher in GCF, whereas IL-6 and CRP were significantly higher in serum, compared with HC group (all P < 0.05). In the case of GCF, taurine levels were positively correlated with IL-8 levels in both groups (all P < 0.05). In the case of serum, l-phenylalanine and p-hydroxyphenylacetic acid levels were positively correlated with CRP levels in both groups (all P < 0.05). Significant positive correlations were observed between metabolites (including pseudouridine, l-phenylalanine, and p-hydroxyphenylacetic acid) and IL-6 levels only in ESRD group.

Conclusions

IL-8 and CRP are potential inflammatory makers that reflect the periodontal health of ESRD individual, which may be considered the valuable predictive diagnostics in the agreement with PPPM philosophy. Besides, metabolites of taurine in GCF as well as l-phenylalanine and p-hydroxyphenylacetic acid in serum are possible biomarkers correlated with inflammatory markers. All these biomarkers may also be highly recommended as a novel predictive/diagnostic tool for the assessment of inflammatory status from the perspectives of PPPM in view of susceptible population and individual screening.
Mini-ICF-APP Inter-Rater Reliability and Development of Capacity Disorders Over the Course of a Vocational Training Program—A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Burri M. , Werk L. P. , Berchtold A. , Pugliese M. , Muschalla B.
Published: April 2021

The Mini-ICF-APP is an established instrument in social medicine, especially in the context of work ability assessment. In this study, the 13 capacity dimensions of Mini-ICF-APP were tested for its inter-rater reliability in the context of a vocational training program for persons with chronic and mental health problems in Switzerland. Also, the development of capacity impairments was investigated over the course of the long-term vocational training programs.

61 training reports on chronically ill persons with mental health impairments were collected within a vocational training program in 2018–2019. Capacity impairment of the trainees were assessed at the beginning of the intervention (t0), after three months (t1) and after 6 to 9 months (t2) by a job attendant and a consultant at each of the three time points. Inter-rater reliabilities for each time point have been calculated. Development of capacity impairment over the course of the vocational training were investigated by variance analysis with repeated measurements.

The inter-rater reliability increased in all 13 Mini-ICF-APP capacity dimensions over the course from t0 to t2. Spearman correlation in each capacity dimension reached sufficient values (r = 0.55*–0.97**). There was no statistically significant change of capacity impairment over the course of the vocational training. Ten capacity dimensions showed a decreasing tendency, three showed a tendency to improve capacity levels.

Through repeated application and training programs the capacity raters seem to be able to improve reliability of their assessments. The phenomenon of slight increase of capacity impairments over the time may be due to the fact that context and rater’s knowledge on participants and context demands changed over the time.
Effect of Self-reported Height on Occupational Rank Among Police Officers: Especially for Women it Pays to be Tall
Authors: Buunk Abraham P. , Stulp Gert , Schaufeli Wilmar B.
Published: April 2021

This study among 725 male and 247 female police officers from The Netherlands examined the association between self-reported height and occupational rank from the perspective of sexual selection. Male and female police officers were taller than the average population. A larger percentage of women than of men was found in the lowest ranks, but in the leadership positions, there was a similar percentage of women as of men. Overall, but especially among women, height was linearly associated with occupational rank: the taller one was, the higher one’s rank. These effects were independent of educational level and age. The implications for evolutionary theorizing from the perspective of sexual selection on the effect of tallness on status and dominance among women are discussed.
Insights into SARS-CoV-2: Medicinal Chemistry Approaches to Combat Its Structural and Functional Biology
Authors: Zhuo Lin-Sheng , Wang Ming-Shu , Yang Jing-Fang , Xu Hong-Chuang , Huang Wei , Shang Lu-Qing , Yang Guang-Fu
Published: April 2021

Coronavirus disease 2019, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is still a pandemic around the world. Currently, specific antiviral drugs to control the epidemic remain deficient. Understanding the details of SARS-CoV-2 structural biology is extremely important for development of antiviral agents that will enable regulation of its life cycle. This review focuses on the structural biology and medicinal chemistry of various key proteins (Spike, ACE2, TMPRSS2, RdRp and Mpro) in the life cycle of SARS-CoV-2, as well as their inhibitors/drug candidates. Representative broad-spectrum antiviral drugs, especially those against the homologous virus SARS-CoV, are summarized with the expectation they will drive the development of effective, broad-spectrum inhibitors against coronaviruses. We are hopeful that this review will be a useful aid for discovery of novel, potent anti-SARS-CoV-2 drugs with excellent therapeutic results in the near future.
E. M. Forster and Music
Authors: Tsai Tsung-Han
Published: April 2021

This book examines the political resonances of E. M. Forster's representations of music, offering readings of canonical and overlooked works. It reveals music's crucial role in his writing and draws attention to a previously unacknowledged eclecticism and complexity in Forster's ideological outlook. Examining unobtrusive musical allusions in a variety of Forster's writings, this book demonstrates how music provided Forster with a means of reflecting on race and epistemology, material culture and colonialism, literary heritage and national character, hero-worship and war, and gender and professionalism. It unveils how Forster's musical representations are mediated through a matrix of ideas and debates of his time, such as those about evolution, empire, Britain's relationship with the Continent, the rise of fascism, and the emergence of musicology as an academic discipline.
Margulis–Ruelle inequality for general manifolds
Authors: LIAO GANG , QIU NA
Published: April 2021

In this paper we investigate the Margulis–Ruelle inequality for general Riemannian manifolds (possibly non-compact and with a boundary) and show that it always holds under an integrable condition.
Interpretable Faraday complexity classification
Authors: Alger M. J. , Livingston J. D. , McClure-Griffiths N. M. , Nabaglo J. L. , Wong O. I. , Ong C. S.
Published: April 2021

Faraday complexity describes whether a spectropolarimetric observation has simple or complex magnetic structure. Quickly determining the Faraday complexity of a spectropolarimetric observation is important for processing large, polarised radio surveys. Finding simple sources lets us build rotation measure grids, and finding complex sources lets us follow these sources up with slower analysis techniques or further observations. We introduce five features that can be used to train simple, interpretable machine learning classifiers for estimating Faraday complexity. We train logistic regression and extreme gradient boosted tree classifiers on simulated polarised spectra using our features, analyse their behaviour, and demonstrate our features are effective for both simulated and real data. This is the first application of machine learning methods to real spectropolarimetry data. With 95% accuracy on simulated ASKAP data and 90% accuracy on simulated ATCA data, our method performs comparably to state-of-the-art convolutional neural networks while being simpler and easier to interpret. Logistic regression trained with our features behaves sensibly on real data and its outputs are useful for sorting polarised sources by apparent Faraday complexity.
NEW RADIOCARBON EVIDENCE FOR HUMAN OCCUPATION IN CENTRAL ARGENTINA DURING THE MIDDLE AND LATE HOLOCENE: THE ONGAMIRA VALLEY CASE
Authors: Izeta Andrés D , Cattáneo Roxana , Robledo Andrés I , Takigami Mai , Yoneda Minoru , Tokanai Fuyuki , Kato Kazuhiro , Matsuzaki Hiroyuki
Published: April 2021

The Ongamira Valley (Córdoba, Argentina) shows a persistent occupational history of its territory. Even one of the first Argentinian radiocarbon (14C) dates was calculated in this valley; for 70 years, the chronology was based on relative dates (stratigraphy and its cultural content). For this reason, since 2010 a14C dating program has been developed focusing on the chronology of eight of the 60 sites identified so far for the valley. This work reports the outcomes of this program with 27 new dates. These data have been related to characteristics of the material culture, use of space and mobility of hunter-gatherer societies. The results have allowed us to bring new insights into a continuous occupation of the valley since the Middle Holocene according to the human peopling models proposed. It has also been possible to provide greater chronological precision to various activities related to feeding practices, use of space associated with rock-shelters, palaeoenvironmental changes and incorporation of new technologies into daily practices.
REVENIA-KORINOS: ONE OF THE EARLIEST NEOLITHIC SETTLEMENTS IN NORTH GREECE AS EVIDENCED BY RADIOCARBON DATING
Authors: Maniatis Yannis , Adaktylou Fotini
Published: April 2021

Radiocarbon (14C) dating was applied to the Neolithic open-air, flat-extended settlement at Revenia-Korinos in Pieria, North Greece. The samples came from the earlier habitation period of the settlement, characterized by more than 100 pits that vary significantly in shape and dimensions, some of them being identified as subterranean or semi-subterranean pit dwellings. It is suggested that the fills of the pits were the result of secondary, structured refuse deposition, except for pits that preserve their habitational use, according to stratigraphic data. The 14C results confirm that Revenia is among the earliest Neolithic settlements in North Greece and the Aegean in general. The initial phase of habitation is dated at around 6600/6550 BC comparable only to two other EN sites in North Greece. Habitation intensified at around 6460/6430 BC, accompanied by a shift in pottery style. This phase lasts until 6200/6100 BC when the pit habitation mode is followed by above-ground, rectangular post-framed structures. The dates of the human burials from Revenia also identify them as among the earliest Neolithic burials in Greece. Finally, the radiocarbon dates proved very useful for sequencing the chronological use of the pits and the excavated area in general.
A volumetric three-dimensional evaluation of invasiveness of an endoscopic and microscopic approach for transmeatal visualisation of the middle ear
Authors: Baazil A H A , Dobbe J G G , van Spronsen E , Ebbens F A , Dikkers F G , Streekstra G J , de Wolf M J F
Published: April 2021

Objective

This study aimed to compare the necessary scutum defect for transmeatal visualisation of middle-ear landmarks between an endoscopic and microscopic approach.

Method

Human cadaveric heads were used. In group 1, middle-ear landmarks were visualised by endoscope (group 1 endoscopic approach) and subsequently by microscope (group 1 microscopic approach following endoscopy). In group 2, landmarks were visualised solely microscopically (group 2 microscopic approach). The amount of resected bone was evaluated via computed tomography scans.

Results

In the group 1 endoscopic approach, a median of 6.84 mm3 bone was resected. No statistically significant difference (Mann–Whitney U test, p = 0.163, U = 49.000) was found between the group 1 microscopic approach following endoscopy (median 17.84 mm3) and the group 2 microscopic approach (median 20.08 mm3), so these were combined. The difference between the group 1 endoscopic approach and the group 1 microscopic approach following endoscopy plus group 2 microscopic approach (median 18.16 mm3) was statistically significant (Mann–Whitney U test, p < 0.001, U = 18.000).

Conclusion

This study showed that endoscopic transmeatal visualisation of middle-ear landmarks preserves more of the bony scutum than a microscopic transmeatal approach.
Investigation of tokamak turbulent avalanches using wave-kinetic formulation in toroidal geometry
Authors: Gillot Camille , Dif-Pradalier Guilhem , Garbet Xavier , Panico Olivier , Sarazin Yanick , Varennes Robin , Zarzoso David
Published: April 2021

The interplay between toroidal drift-wave turbulence and tokamak profiles is investigated using a wave-kinetic description. The coupled system is used to investigate the interplay between marginally stable toroidal drift-wave turbulence and geodesic acoustic modes (GAMs). The coupled system is found to be unstable. Notably, the most unstable mode corresponds to the resonance between the turbulent wave radial group velocity and the GAM phase velocity. For a low-field-side ballooned drift-wave growth, a background flow shear breaks the symmetry between inwards- and outwards-travelling instabilities. Although this turbulence–GAM coupling may not be the primary driver for avalanches in standard core ion temperature gradient simulations, this mechanism is generic and displays many of the expected features, and should be of interest in several other regimes, which include towards the edge or in the presence of energetic particles.
An inchworm-inspired motion strategy for robotic swarms
Authors: Eshaghi Kasra , Kashino Zendai , Yoon Hyun Joong , Nejat Goldie , Benhabib Beno
Published: April 2021

Effective motion planning and localization are necessary tasks for swarm robotic systems to maintain a desired formation while maneuvering. Herein, we present an inchworm-inspired strategy that addresses both these tasks concurrently using anchor robots. The proposed strategy is novel as, by dynamically and optimally selecting the anchor robots, it allows the swarm to maximize its localization performance while also considering secondary objectives, such as the swarm’s speed. A complementary novel method for swarm localization, that fuses inter-robot proximity measurements and motion commands, is also presented. Numerous simulated and physical experiments are included to illustrate our contributions.