bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An artificial intelligence‐driven agent for real‐time head‐and‐neck IMRT plan generation using conditional generative adversarial network (cGAN)
Authors: Li Xinyi , Wang Chunhao , Sheng Yang , Zhang Jiahan , Wang Wentao , Yin Fang‐Fang , Wu Qiuwen , Wu Q. Jackie , Ge Yaorong
Published: February 2021

Purpose

To develop an artificial intelligence (AI) agent for fully automated rapid head‐and‐neck intensity‐modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) plan generation without time‐consuming dose‐volume‐based inverse planning.

Methods

This AI agent was trained via implementing a conditional generative adversarial network (cGAN) architecture. The generator, PyraNet, is a novel deep learning network that implements 28 classic ResNet blocks in pyramid‐like concatenations. The discriminator is a customized four‐layer DenseNet. The AI agent first generates multiple customized two‐dimensional projections at nine template beam angles from a patient’s three‐dimensional computed tomography (CT) volume and structures. These projections are then stacked as four‐dimensional inputs of PyraNet, from which nine radiation fluence maps of the corresponding template beam angles are generated simultaneously. Finally, the predicted fluence maps are automatically postprocessed by Gaussian deconvolution operations and imported into a commercial treatment planning system (TPS) for plan integrity check and visualization. The AI agent was built and tested upon 231 oropharyngeal IMRT plans from a TPS plan library. 200/16/15 plans were assigned for training/validation/testing, respectively. Only the primary plans in the sequential boost regime were studied. All plans were normalized to 44 Gy prescription (2 Gy/fx). A customized Harr wavelet loss was adopted for fluence map comparison during the training of the PyraNet. For test cases, isodose distributions in AI plans and TPS plans were qualitatively evaluated for overall dose distributions. Key dosimetric metrics were compared by Wilcoxon signed‐rank tests with a significance level of 0.05.

Results

All 15 AI plans were successfully generated. Isodose gradients outside of PTV in AI plans were comparable to those of the TPS plans. After PTV coverage normalization, Dmean of left parotid (DAI = 23.1 ± 2.4 Gy; DTPS = 23.1 ± 2.0 Gy), right parotid (DAI = 23.8 ± 3.0 Gy; DTPS = 23.9 ± 2.3 Gy), and oral cavity (DAI = 24.7 ± 6.0 Gy; DTPS = 23.9 ± 4.3 Gy) in the AI plans and the TPS plans were comparable without statistical significance. AI plans achieved comparable results for maximum dose at 0.01cc of brainstem (DAI = 15.0 ± 2.1 Gy; DTPS = 15.5 ± 2.7 Gy) and cord + 5mm (DAI = 27.5 ± 2.3 Gy; DTPS = 25.8 ± 1.9 Gy) without clinically relevant differences, but body Dmax results (DAI = 121.1 ± 3.9 Gy; DTPS = 109.0 ± 0.9 Gy) were higher than the TPS plan results. The AI agent needed ~3 s for predicting fluence maps of an IMRT plan.

Conclusions

With rapid and fully automated execution, the developed AI agent can generate complex head‐and‐neck IMRT plans with acceptable dosimetry quality. This approach holds great potential for clinical applications in preplanning decision‐making and real‐time planning.
Influences of Vacancy Concentration and Al Substitution on Structural, Electronic, and Elastic Properties of Nb5Si3 from First‐Principles Calculations
Authors: Xu Xia , Zeng Wei , Zhu Sheng-Hai , Zhong Mi , Hong Dan , Li Ruo-Xi , Liu Fu-Sheng , Tang Bin , Liu Qi-Jun
Published: February 2021

The effects of vacancy concentration and Al substitution on the structural, electronic, and elastic properties of Nb5Si3 are studied using first‐principles calculations. The formation energy, elastic modulus, and electronic properties of three different Nb vacancies in Nb5Si3 are discussed in detail. With the increase in vacancy concentration, the obtained shear modulus, Young's modulus, and hardness of Nb vacancy decrease, which are lower than those of pristine Nb5Si3. The bulk modulus/shear modulus (B/G) ratio increases with the increase in Nb vacancy concentration. However, these vacancies result in the transition from brittleness to ductility, and Nb5Si3 with 5% vacancy concentration exhibits ductile behavior. The calculation of electronic structure shows that these Nb vacancies change the local hybridization between Nb and Nb atoms. As the concentration increases, the position of the peak moves toward lower energy. It is predicted that vacancies can improve the ductility behavior of Nb5Si3.
Avoidance couplings on non‐complete graphs
Authors: Bates Erik , Podder Moumanti
Published: February 2021

A coupling of random walkers on the same finite graph, who take turns sequentially, is said to be an avoidance coupling if the walkers never collide. Previous studies of these processes have focused almost exclusively on complete graphs, in particular how many walkers an avoidance coupling can include. For other graphs, apart from special cases, it has been unsettled whether even two noncolliding simple random walkers can be coupled. In this article, we construct such a coupling on (i) any d‐regular graph avoiding a fixed subgraph depending on d; and (ii) any square‐free graph with minimum degree at least three. A corollary of the first result is that a uniformly random regular graph on n vertices admits an avoidance coupling with high probability.
AI, Robotics, and Humanity: Opportunities, Risks, and Implications for Ethics and Policy
Authors: von Braun Joachim , Archer Margaret S. , Reichberg Gregory M. , Sánchez Sorondo Marcelo
Published: February 2021

This introduction to the volume gives an overview of foundational issues in AI and robotics, looking into AI’s computational basis, brain–AI comparisons, and conflicting positions on AI and consciousness. AI and robotics are changing the future of society in areas such as work, education, industry, farming, and mobility, as well as services like banking. Another important concern addressed in this volume are the impacts of AI and robotics on poor people and on inequality. These implications are being reviewed, including how to respond to challenges and how to build on the opportunities afforded by AI and robotics. An important area of new risks is robotics and AI implications for militarized conflicts. Throughout this introductory chapter and in the volume, AI/robot-human interactions, as well as the ethical and religious implications, are considered. Approaches for fruitfully managing the coexistence of humans and robots are evaluated. New forms of regulating AI and robotics are called for which serve the public good but also ensure proper data protection and personal privacy.
Designing Robots for the Battlefield: State of the Art
Authors: Swett Bruce A. , Hahn Erin N. , Llorens Ashley J.
Published: February 2021

There is currently a global arms race for the development of artificial intelligence (AI) and unmanned robotic systems that are empowered by AI (AI-robots). This paper examines the current use of AI-robots on the battlefield and offers a framework for understanding AI and AI-robots. It examines the limitations and risks of AI-robots on the battlefield and posits the future direction of battlefield AI-robots. It then presents research performed at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (JHU/APL) related to the development, testing, and control of AI-robots, as well as JHU/APL work on human trust of autonomy and developing self-regulating and ethical robotic systems. Finally, it examines multiple possible future paths for the relationship between humans and AI-robots.
Differences Between Natural and Artificial Cognitive Systems
Authors: Singer Wolf
Published: February 2021

This chapter identifies the differences between natural and artifical cognitive systems. Benchmarking robots against brains may suggest that organisms and robots both need to possess an internal model of the restricted environment in which they act and both need to adjust their actions to the conditions of the respective environment in order to accomplish their tasks. However, computational strategies to cope with these challenges are different for natural and artificial systems. Many of the specific human qualities cannot be deduced from the neuronal functions of individual brains alone but owe their existence to cultural evolution. Social interactions between agents endowed with the cognitive abilities of humans generate immaterial realities, addressed as social or cultural realities. Intentionality, morality, responsibility and certain aspects of consciousness such as the qualia of subjective experience belong to the immaterial dimension of social realities. It is premature to enter discussions as to whether artificial systems can acquire functions that we consider as intentional and conscious or whether artificial agents can be considered as moral agents with responsibility for their actions.
Responsible Robotics and Responsibility Attribution
Authors: van Wynsberghe Aimee
Published: February 2021

This paper stresses the centrality of human responsibility as the necessary foundation for establishing clear robotics policies and regulations; responsibility not on the part of a robot’s hardware or software, but on the part of the humans behind the machines—those researching and developing robotics. Simply put, we need responsible robotics. Responsible robotics is a term that has recently ‘come into vogue’, yet an understanding of what responsible robotics means is still in development. In light of both the complexity of development (i.e. the many hands involved) and the newness of robot development (i.e. few regulatory boards established to ensure accountability), there is a need to establish procedures to assign future responsibilities among the actors involved in a robot’s development and implementation. The three alternative laws of responsible robotics by Murphy and Wood play a formidable contribution to the discussion; however, they repeat the difficulty that Asimov introduced, that is, laws in general, whether they are for the robot or for the roboticist, are incomplete when put into practice. The proposal here is to extend the three alternative laws of responsible robotics into a more robust framework for responsibility attribution as part of the responsible robotics goal. This framework requires making explicit various factors: the type of robot, the stage of robot development, the intended sector of use, and the manner of robot acquisition. With this in mind, one must carefully consider the scope of the ethical issue in question and determine the kind of responsibility attributed to said actor(s).
A Human Blueprint for AI Coexistence
Authors: Lee Kai-Fu
Published: February 2021

The positive coexistence of humans and AI is possible and needs to be designed as a system that provides for all members of society, but one that also uses the wealth generated by AI to build a society that is more compassionate, loving, and ultimately human. It is incumbent on us to use the economic abundance of the AI age to foster the values of volunteers who devote their time and energy toward making their communities more caring. As a practical measure, to protect against AI/robotics’ labor saving and job displacement effects, a “social investment stipend” should be explored. The stipend would be given to those who invest their time and energy in those activities that promote a kind, compassionate, and creative society, i.e., care work, community service, and education. It would put the economic bounty generated by AI to work in building a better society, rather than just numbing the pain of AI-induced job losses.
Robotics and the Global Organisation of Production
Authors: De Backer Koen , DeStefano Timothy
Published: February 2021

The growing investment in robotics is an important aspect of the increasing digitalisation of economy. Economic research has begun to consider the role of robotics in modern economies, but the empirical analysis remains overall limited. The empirical evidence of effects of robotics on employment is mixed, as shown in the review in this chapter. The effects of robots on economies go further than employment effects, as there are impacts for the organisation of production in global value chains. These change the division of labour between richer and poorer economies. Robotics may reduce offshoring of activities from developed economies towards emerging economies. Global spreading of automation with robotics can lead to faster de-industrialisation in the development process. Low-cost jobs in manufacturing may increasingly be conducted by robots such that fewer jobs than expected may be on offer for humans even if industries were to grow in emerging economies.
The effect of age on the outcomes of cementless mobile bearing unicompartmental knee replacements
Authors: Mohammad Hasan Raza , Mellon Stephen , Judge Andrew , Dodd Christopher , Murray David
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Unicompartmental Knee Replacements (UKR) are being performed in patients with increasing demands and life expectancies with surgical concerns that cemented fixation will not last. Cementless fixation may offer a solution, but the results in different age groups have not been assessed. The effect of age at surgery on the outcomes of cementless UKRs was investigated.

Methods

A prospective cohort of 1000 medial cementless mobile bearing UKR were analysed. Patients were categorised into four age groups (< 55, 55 to < 65, 65 to < 75 and ≥ 75 years). Implant survival was assessed using endpoints reoperation, revision and major revision requiring revision knee replacement components. Functional outcomes were assessed.

Results

10 year cumulative revision rate for the < 55, 55 to < 65, 65 to < 75 and ≥ 75 groups were 2.1% (CI 0.6–6.1), 1.8% (CI 0.6–5.3), 3.2% (CI 1.5–6.5) and 4.1% (1.7–9.6) with no differences between groups (p = 0.52). Two of the 22 revisions were considered major. The 10 year cumulative reoperation rates were 4.5% (CI 2.0–10.0), 3.0% (CI 1.3–6.5), 3.8% (CI 2.0–7.1) and 4.1% (CI 1.7–9.6) with no differences between groups (p = 0.81). The 10 year median Oxford Knee Scores were 42.5, 46.5, 45 and 42.5, respectively. The 10 year median Objective American Knee Society Scores were 95 for all age groups.

Conclusion

The cementless mobile bearing UKR has low reoperation and revision rates and similar functional outcomes in all age groups. Cementless UKR should be used in all age groups and age should not be considered a contraindication.

Level of evidence

III.
Smoothing destination-specific migration flows
Authors: Dyrting Sigurd , Taylor Andrew
Published: February 2021

Accurately estimating age profiles for destination-specific migration is requisite to understanding the determinants of population growth and projecting future change as migration is the primary growth determinant for most regions. In Australia, place-to-place flows based on the age profile of migration derived from census data are commonly used to empirically estimate destination-specific internal migration. However, such flows are heterogeneous and census data is imperfect for accurately generating migration-age profiles. Demographers have addressed this by developing a range of methods for smoothing migration probabilities. These address smoothing on a bi-regional basis, primarily with one destination–origin pairing. We propose a non-parametric method for smoothing destination-specific migration probabilities which can be applied to multi-regional smoothing and is within the generation–distribution framework of Rogers et al. (Environ Plan A 34:341–359, 2002). We demonstrate that, if total age-specific out-migration has already been estimated, smoothing destination-specific migration ratios provides a solution to imperfect input data. Using the example of Australian interstate migration, we show how the method can give an accurate fit to the migration ratio profile across high-curvature ages and a good treatment of sample noise both when the population at risk is low, such as at advanced ages, and when the destination has a low conditional probability of migration. An implementation of the method is available as an Excel add-in.
UHPLC-IM-Q-ToFMS analysis of maradolipids, found exclusively in Caenorhabditis elegans dauer larvae
Authors: Witting Michael , Schmidt Ulrike , Knölker Hans-Joachim
Published: February 2021

Lipid identification is one of the current bottlenecks in lipidomics and lipid profiling, especially for novel lipid classes, and requires multidimensional data for correct annotation. We used the combination of chromatographic and ion mobility separation together with data-independent acquisition (DIA) of tandem mass spectrometric data for the analysis of lipids in the biomedical model organism Caenorhabditis elegans. C. elegans reacts to harsh environmental conditions by interrupting its normal life cycle and entering an alternative developmental stage called dauer stage. Dauer larvae show distinct changes in metabolism and morphology to survive unfavorable environmental conditions and are able to survive for a long time without feeding. Only at this developmental stage, dauer larvae produce a specific class of glycolipids called maradolipids. We performed an analysis of maradolipids using ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry-quadrupole-time of flight-mass spectrometry (UHPLC-IM-Q-ToFMS) using drift tube ion mobility to showcase how the integration of retention times, collisional cross sections, and DIA fragmentation data can be used for lipid identification. The obtained results show that combination of UHPLC and IM separation together with DIA represents a valuable tool for initial lipid identification. Using this analytical tool, a total of 45 marado- and lysomaradolipids have been putatively identified and 10 confirmed by authentic standards directly from C. elegans dauer larvae lipid extracts without the further need for further purification of glycolipids. Furthermore, we putatively identified two isomers of a lysomaradolipid not known so far.

Graphical abstract
Ionic basis of atrioventricular conduction: ion channel expression and sarcolemmal ion currents of the atrioventricular canal of the rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) heart
Authors: Hassinen Minna , Dzhumaniiazova Irina , Abramochkin Denis V. , Vornanen Matti
Published: February 2021

Atrioventricular (AV) nodal tissue synchronizes activities of atria and ventricles of the vertebrate heart and is also a potential site of cardiac arrhythmia, e.g., under acute heat stress. Since ion channel composition and ion currents of the fish AV canal have not been previously studied, we measured major cation currents and transcript expression of ion channels in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) AV tissue. Both ion current densities and expression of ion channel transcripts indicate that the fish AV canal has a characteristic electrophysiological phenotype that differs from those of sinoatrial tissue, atrium and ventricle. Two types of cardiomyocytes were distinguished electrophysiologically in trout AV nodal tissue: the one (transitional cell) is functionally intermediate between working atrial/ventricular myocytes and the other (AV nodal cell) has a less negative resting membrane potential than atrial and ventricular myocytes and is a more similar to the sinoatrial nodal cells in ion channel composition. The AV nodal cells are characterized by a small or non-existent inward rectifier potassium current (IK1), low density of fast sodium current (INa) and relatively high expression of T-type calcium channels (CACNA3.1). Pacemaker channel (HCN4 and HCN2) transcripts were expressed in the AV nodal tissue butIfcurrent was not found in enzymatically isolated nodal myocytes. The electrophysiological properties of the rainbow trout nodal cells are appropriate for a slow rate of action potential conduction (smallINa) and a moderate propensity for pacemaking activity (absence ofIK1).
Experiences of people affected by cancer during the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic: an exploratory qualitative analysis of public online forums
Authors: Colomer-Lahiguera Sara , Ribi Karin , Dunnack Hayley J. , Cooley Mary E. , Hammer Marilyn J. , Miaskowski Christine , Eicher Manuela
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Studies focusing on patients with and survivors of cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic highlight unique psychological and behavioral challenges. These findings were obtained in surveys using self-report questionnaires with pre-specified response options that may not capture the broad range of experiences of individuals affected by cancer, including people with cancer and informal caregivers, in this unprecedented situation. Online forums produce a large amount of valuable first-hand user-generated content that can be used to better understand their day-to-day lives. This study, based on the analysis of narratives in cancer online forums, aims to describe and categorize the experiences of people affected by cancer during the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Method

An inductive, descriptive, thematic approach was applied to publicly available cancer forums from Germany, the USA, the UK, and Ireland posted between mid-March and mid-April 2020.

Results

An analysis of the content of 230 main posts revealed three major themes: (1) concerns related to the impact of COVID-19 on cancer care, the risks and fears of getting infected, logistic issues, and economic impact; (2) adaptation challenges faced at the individual and societal level; and (3) the need for advice including information about COVID-19 and the (self-)management of cancer symptoms and treatment.

Conclusion

Our qualitative description of the experiences of people affected by cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak can help to improve communication, education, and the development of supportive care strategies. Furthermore, the themes and subthemes identified could potentially inform item development for future self-report questionnaires.
Integration of photogrammetry from unmanned aerial vehicles, field measurements and discrete fracture network modeling to understand groundwater flow in remote settings: test and comparison with geochemical markers in an Alpine catchment
Authors: Binda Gilberto , Pozzi Andrea , Spanu Davide , Livio Franz , Trotta Sara , Bitonte Raffaele
Published: February 2021

Fast and cost-effective techniques for hydrogeological modeling are of broad interest for water resources exploitation, especially in remote settings, where hydrogeological measurements are difficult to perform. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV)-based techniques are potentially useful for these aims, but their application is still limited. In this study, a field-based approach and UAV-based approach are integrated for the computation of a discrete fracture network model of a fractured aquifer in the Central Alps. Then, calculated directions of the hydraulic conductivity components were compared with a geostatistical analysis of geochemical markers from sampled spring waters, to infer a conceptual model of groundwater flow. The comparison of field-based and UAV-based fracture measurements confirmed a good matching for fracture orientations and recognized a more reliable estimation of fracture dimensions for the UAV-based dataset. Nonetheless, an important variable for hydrogeological modeling—fracture aperture—is not measurable using UAV, as this requires field measurements. The calculated directions of the main conductivities fit well with the analyzed geochemical markers, indicating the presence of two partially separated fractured aquifers and describing their possible groundwater flow paths. The adopted integrated approach confirms UAV-based measurements as a potential tool for characterization of fracture sets as the input for hydrogeological modeling and for a fast and effective surveying tool, reducing time and cost for other following measurements.
Sex differences in the contribution of different physiological systems to physical function in older adults
Authors: Jones Siana , Schultz Martin G. , Tillin Therese , Park Chloe , Williams Suzanne , Chaturvedi Nishi , Hughes Alun D.
Published: February 2021

Having the physical function to undertake activities of daily living (ADLs) is essential in order to maintain independence. The aim of this study is to investigate factors associated with physical function in older adults and determine if these associations differ in men versus women. In total, 726 participants (57% men; 73±7 years old) from a population-based cohort, the Southall and Brent Revisited (SABRE) study, completed questionnaires permitting a physical function score (PFS) to be calculated. Detailed phenotyping was performed including cardiovascular (echocardiography and macrovascular and microvascular functions), skeletal muscle (grip strength and oxidative capacity) and lung (pulmonary) function measurements. In a sub-group, maximal aerobic capacity was estimated from a sub-maximal exercise test. In women versus men, the association between grip strength and PFS was nearly 3 times stronger, and the association between microvascular dysfunction and PFS was over 5 times stronger (standardized β-coefficient (95% CI) 0.34 (0.22, 0.45) versus 0.11 (0.01,0.22) and −0.27 (−0.37, −0.17) versus −0.05 (−0.14, 0.04), respectively). In men, the association between cardiorespiratory fitness and PFS was 3 times greater than that in women (standardized β-coefficient (95% CI) 0.33 (0.22, 0.45) versus 0.10 (−0.04, 0.25). Cardiovascular, skeletal muscle and pulmonary factors all contribute to self-reported physical function, but the relative pattern of contribution differs by sex. Grip strength and microvascular function are most strongly associated with physical function in women while cardiorespiratory fitness is most strongly associated with physical function in men. This is relevant to the design of effective interventions that target maintenance of physical function in old age.
No Trust is Hybrid: Reply to Faulkner
Authors: Noonan Harold W.
Published: February 2021

There is a well-developed literature on trust. In his important article Faulkner (Analysis, 75(3), 424−429, 2015) distinguishes three-place, two-place and one-place trust predicates. He then argues that our more basic notions of trust are expressed by the one-place and two-place predicates. Three-place trust, contractual trust, is not fundamental. This matters. Having a clear understanding of our concepts of trust is important. The most important assumption of Faulkner’s argument is that the notion of trust expressed by the three-place predicate is not attitudinal; it is a ‘metaphysical hybrid of attitude and action’. I argue that this is wrong. All three notions are attitudinal and no reason exists to deny that the one-place and two-place notions derive from the three-place one. Once one rejects Faulkner’s assumption that the three-place notion can be separated off from the others as a metaphysical hybrid argument for the priority of the one-place and two-place notions collapses.
Insight into the oxidative desulfurization of high-sulfur petroleum coke under mild conditions: a journey of vanadium-substituted Dawson-type phosphotungstic acid
Authors: Li Fu-Min , Hua Ming-Qing , Wei Yan-Chen , Liu Ji-Xing , Gong Jia-Hong , Wang Chao , Wu Pei-Wen , Huang Yan , Li Hua-Ming , Zhu Wen-Shuai
Published: February 2021

High-sulfur petroleum coke (HSPC), that is a by-product from slag oil in the coking process of refining, shows versatility values in practical applications and, however, concentrates the majority of organic sulfur. Herein, we design and construct a highly effective CTAB@HPA composites to be explored for the catalytic oxidative desulfurization of HSPC under mild conditions using hydrogen peroxide as the oxidant and 1-butyl-3-methylimidazole tetrafluoroborate ionic liquid as the extractant. The results demonstrate that the sulfur content of HSPC could be strikingly reduced from 4.46 wt% to 2.48 wt% under 60 °C and atmospheric pressure, and that the organic sulfur in HSPC is mainly oxidized to sulfoxide, sulfone and sulfate, which latter can be directly separated from petroleum coke. Moreover, the effect of reaction conditions on the desulfurization performance of HSPC as well as the catalytic oxidation reaction kinetic of HSPC desulfurization was systematically investigated. Furthermore, a mechanism for the oxidative desulfurization of HSPC over CTAB@HPA catalysts was proposed. Therefore, this work provides new insight into how to construct active catalysts for the desulfurization of HSPC under mild conditions.
Paclobutrazol Improves Sesame Yield by Increasing Dry Matter Accumulation and Reducing Seed Shattering Under Rainfed Conditions
Authors: Mehmood Muhammad Zeeshan , Qadir Ghulam , Afzal Obaid , Din Atta Mohi Ud , Raza Muhammad Ali , Khan Imran , Hassan Muhammad Jawad , Awan Samrah Afzal , Ahmad Shakeel , Ansar Muhammad , Aslam Muhammad Aqeel , Ahmed Mukhtar
Published: February 2021

Several biotic and abiotic stresses significantly decrease the biomass accumulation and seed yield of sesame crops under rainfed areas. However, plant growth regulators (such as Paclobutrazol) can improve the total dry matter and seed production of the sesame crop. The effects of the paclobutrazol application on dry matter accumulation and seed yield had not been studied before in sesame under rainfed conditions. Therefore, a two-year field study during 2018 and 2019 was conducted with key objectives to assess the impacts of paclobutrazol on leaf greenness, leaf area, total dry matter production and partitioning, seed shattering, and seed yield of sesame. Two sesame cultivars (TS-5 and TS-3) were treated with four paclobutrazol concentrations (P0 = Control, P1 = 100 mg L−1, P2 = 200 mg L−1, P3 = 300 mg L−1). The experiment was executed in RCBD-factorial design with three replications. Compared with P0, treatment P3 improved the leaf greenness of sesame by 17%, 38%, and 60% at 45, 85, and 125 days after sowing, respectively. However, P3 treatment decreased the leaf area of sesame by 14% and 20% at 45 and 85 days after sowing than P0, respectively. Compared with P0, treatment P3 increased the leaf area by 46% at 125 days after sowing. On average, treatment P3 also improved the total biomass production by 21% and partitioning in roots, stems, leaves, capsules, and seeds by 23%, 19%, 23%, 22%, and 40%, respectively, in the whole growing seasons as compared to P0. Moreover, under P3 treatment, sesame attained the highest seed yield and lowest seed shattering by 27% and 30%, respectively, compared to P0. This study indicated that by applying the paclobutrazol concentration at the rate of 300 mg L−1in sesame, the leaf greenness, leaf areas, biomass accumulation, partitioning, seed yield, and shatter resistance could be improved. Thus, the optimum paclobutrazol level could enhance the dry matter accumulation and seed production capacity of sesame by decreasing shattering losses under rainfed conditions.
Evaluation of machining performance and multi criteria optimization of novel metal-Nimonic 80A using EDM
Authors: Shukla Vikas K. , Kumar Rakesh , Singh Bipin Kumar
Published: February 2021

This study focused to machine novel Nimonic 80A through Electric Discharge Machine process. The process parameters are optimised to achieve high surface integrity along with high material removal rate (MRR) with minimum energy consumption. Central composite design along with analysis of variance technique has been applied to make correlation between the process parameter and responses. The developed model of surface roughness shows that the peak current and pulse-on time have significant effect whereas; a little effect of pulse-off time. The said result may be obtained due to simultaneous action of deposition and notching (removal) of material in order to form crater. In case of MRR, the pulse-on time and peak current are found as significant factors with increasing trend (i.e. when the input values are increased the MRR increases) whereas; a reverse trend is noticed with pulse-off time. The optimum values for maximum MRR (0.512444 gm/min) and minimum surface roughness (7.82203 µm) with 81% desirability are obtained for the process parameter as 13.49 A peak current, 150 µs pulse-on time and 4 µs pulse-off time.
Performance-tuning of PVA-based gel electrolytes by acid/PVA ratio and PVA molecular weight
Authors: Alipoori Saeideh , Torkzadeh M. M. , Mazinani Saeedeh , Aboutalebi Seyed Hamed , Sharif Farhad
Published: February 2021

The significant breakthroughs of flexible gel electrolytes have attracted extensive attention in modern wearable electronic gadgets. The lack of all-around high-performing gels limits the advantages of such devices for practical applications. To this end, developing a multi-functional gel architecture with superior ionic conductivity while enjoying good mechanical flexibility is a bottleneck to overcome. Herein, an architecturally engineered gel, based on PVA and H3PO4 with different molecular weights of PVA for various PVA/H3PO4 ratios, was developed. The results show the dependence of ionic conductivity on molecular weight and also charge carrier concentration. Consequently, fine-tuning of PVA-based gels through a simple yet systematic and well-regulated strategy to achieve highly ion-conducting gels, with the highest ionic conductivity of 14.75 ± 1.39 mS cm-1 have been made to fulfill the requirement of flexible devices. More importantly, gel electrolytes possess good mechanical robustness while exhibiting high-elasticity (%766.66 ± 59.73), making it an appropriate candidate for flexible devices.
Abatement of organic and inorganic pollutants from drinking water by using commercial and laboratory-synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles
Authors: Bharti  , Jangwan J. S. , Kumar Goutam , Kumar Vivek , Kumar Amrish
Published: February 2021

ZnO nanoparticles have been synthesized and applied for the removal of different environmental pollutants in the present study. Combustion method is used for the preparation of ZnO NPs. X-Ray diffraction pattern reveals the crystallinity of the nanoparticles, where SEM and TEM images displayed that ZnO NPs were of size less than 100 nm and nearly spherical in shape. UV–Vis and IR spectra revealed the formation of ZnO NPs. Adsorption and advanced oxidation processes were employed for the removal/degradation of trace elements/pesticide. UV reactor containing 1 UV rod of 11 W (Philips) was used for the photocatalytic degradation of pesticide. ICP–OES and GC–MS techniques were used for the further quantitative analysis of trace elements and OP pesticide—monocrotophos, respectively. The analysis shows the 88% degradation of monocrotophos when subjected to UV light in the reaction chamber for 120 min at a pH 4 when 2 g of nanocatalyst is applied. However, the removal of trace element Arsenic shows linear adsorption as compared to Cd and Se. The removal efficiency of ZnO nanoparticles for Cd and Se was 36% and 64%, respectively, after 120 min. The synthesized nanoparticles are more effective than the commercially available ones.
Violence in Defeat
Authors: Willems Bastiaan
Published: February 2021

In the final year of the Second World War, as bitter defensive fighting moved to German soil, a wave of intra-ethnic violence engulfed the country. Bastiaan Willems offers the first study into the impact and behaviour of the Wehrmacht on its own territory, focusing on the German units fighting in East Prussia and its capital Königsberg. He shows that the Wehrmacht's retreat into Germany, after three years of brutal fighting on the Eastern Front, contributed significantly to the spike of violence which occurred throughout the country immediately prior to defeat. Soldiers arriving with an ingrained barbarised mindset, developed on the Eastern Front, shaped the immediate environment of the area of operations, and of Nazi Germany as a whole. Willems establishes how the norms of the Wehrmacht as a retreating army impacted behavioural patterns on the home front, arguing that its presence increased the propensity to carry out violence in Germany.
Causal effects and counterfactual conditionals: contrasting Rubin, Lewis and Pearl
Authors: Markus Keith A.
Published: February 2021

Rubin and Pearl offered approaches to causal effect estimation and Lewis and Pearl offered theories of counterfactual conditionals. Arguments offered by Pearl and his collaborators support a weak form of equivalence such that notation from the rival theory can be re-purposed to express Pearl’s theory in a way that is equivalent to Pearl’s theory expressed in its native notation. Nonetheless, the many fundamental differences between the theories rule out any stronger form of equivalence. A renewed emphasis on comparative research can help to guide applications, further develop each theory, and better understand their relative strengths and weaknesses.
A Changing Arctic Ocean: How Measured and Modeled 129I Distributions Indicate Fundamental Shifts in Circulation Between 1994 and 2015
Authors: Smith John N. , Karcher Michael , Casacuberta Nuria , Williams William J. , Kenna Tim , Smethie William M.
Published: February 2021

129I measurements on samples collected during GEOTRACES oceanographic missions in the Arctic Ocean in 2015 have provided the first synoptic 129I sections across the Eurasian, Canada, and Makarov Basins. During the 1990s, increased discharges of 129I from European nuclear fuel reprocessing plants produced a large, tracer spike whose passage through the Arctic Ocean has been followed by 129I time series measurements over the past 25 years. Elevated 129I levels measured over the Lomonosov and Alpha‐Mendeleyev Ridges in 2015 were associated with tracer labeled, Atlantic‐origin water bathymetrically steered by the ridge systems through the central Arctic while lower 129I levels were evident in the more poorly ventilated basin interiors. 129I levels of 200–400 × 107 at/l measured in intermediate waters had increased by a factor of 10 in 2015 compared to 1994–1996 owing to the circulation of the 1990s, 129I input spike. Comparisons of 129I distributions between the mid‐1990s and 2015 delineate large scale circulation changes that occurred during the shift from a positive Arctic Oscillation and a cyclonic circulation regime in the mid‐1990s to anticyclonic circulation in 2015. The latter is characterized by a broadened Beaufort Gyre in the upper ocean, a weakened boundary current and partial mid‐depth, AW flow reversal in the southern Canada Basin. Tracer 129I simulations using the applied circulation model, NAOSIM, agree with both historical 129I results and recent GEOTRACES data sets, thereby supporting the present interpretation of the relationship of changes in arctic circulation to shifts in climate indices revealed by tracer 129I distributions.
Community Forests Prepare for Climate Change
Authors: Peterson Courtney , Brandt Leslie , Elias Emile , Hurteau Sarah
Published: February 2021

Cities across the United States are feeling the heat as they struggle to integrate climate science into on-the-ground decisionmaking regarding urban tree planting and management.
Oxidation behavior of Cr-coated zirconium alloy cladding in high-temperature steam above 1200 °C
Authors: Ma Hai-Bin , Yan Jun , Zhao Ya-Huan , Liu Tong , Ren Qi-Sen , Liao Ye-Hong , Zuo Jia-Dong , Liu Gang , Yao Mei-Yi
Published: February 2021

Dense, uniform, and well-adhered chromium (Cr) coatings were deposited on zirconium (Zr) alloy claddings by using physical vapor deposition (PVD). The Cr-coated samples were tested at 1200 oC and 1300 oC, respectively, for different exposure time in water steam environment. Microstructures and compositions of the coating/substrate system after oxidation were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electronic microscopy, and energy dispersion spectrometer. The microstructural results clearly demonstrated that Cr2O3 layer has been produced on the coating surface, acting as an oxygen diffusion barrier and concomitantly reducing the oxidation rate. The experimental results on weight gains soundly supported the microstructural findings that the Cr coatings could protect the Zr substrate from high-temperature steam oxidation, even at a temperature up to 1300 oC. Finally, the oxidation kinetics was theoretically analyzed and the underlying oxidation mechanism was also clarified.
Prognostic value of cardio-hepatic-skeletal muscle syndrome in patients with heart failure
Authors: Noda Takumi , Kamiya Kentaro , Hamazaki Nobuaki , Nozaki Kohei , Ichikawa Takafumi , Nakamura Takeshi , Yamashita Masashi , Uchida Shota , Maekawa Emi , Reed Jennifer L. , Yamaoka-Tojo Minako , Matsunaga Atsuhiko , Ako Junya
Published: February 2021

Although heart failure (HF) and liver dysfunction often coexist because of complex cardiohepatic interactions, the association between liver dysfunction and physical dysfunction, and between coexistence of both and prognosis in HF patients remains unclear. We reviewed 895 patients with HF (mean age, 69.4 ± 14.2 years) who underwent liver function test using model for end-stage liver disease excluding international normalized ratio (MELD-XI) score and physical function test (grip strength, leg strength, gait speed, and 6-min walking distance [6MWD]). In the multiple regression analysis, MELD-XI score was independently associated with lower grip strength, leg strength, gait speed, and 6MWD (all P < 0.001). One hundred thirty deaths occurred over a median follow-up period of 1.67 years (interquartile range: 0.62–3.04). For all-cause mortality, patients with high MELD-XI scores and reduced physical functions were found to have a significantly higher mortality risk even after adjusting for several covariates (grip strength, hazard ratio [HR]: 3.80, P < 0.001; leg strength, HR: 4.65, P < 0.001; gait speed, HR: 2.49, P = 0.001, and 6MWD, HR: 5.48, P < 0.001). Liver dysfunction was correlated with reduced physical function. Moreover, the coexistence of lower physical function and liver dysfunction considerably affected prognosis in patients with HF.
Parental educational status independently predicts the risk of prevalent hypertension in young adults
Authors: Suh Sang Heon , Song Su Hyun , Choi Hong Sang , Kim Chang Seong , Bae Eun Hui , Ma Seong Kwon , Kim Soo Wan
Published: February 2021

Identification of individuals at risk of hypertension development based on socio-economic status have been inconclusive, due to variable definitions of low socio-economic status. We investigated whether educational status of individuals or their parents predicts prevalent hypertension in young adult population, by analyzing data of more than 37,000 non-institutionalized subjects from Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2008 to 2017. Although low educational status of individual subjects was robustly associated with elevation of systolic blood pressure and increased prevalence of hypertension in general population, its impact on prevalent hypertension differed across age subgroups, and was remarkably attenuated in young adults. Parental educational status was significantly associated with prevalent hypertension in young adults, but not or only marginally in elderly population. Low parental educational status was also associated with high sodium intake in young adults, irrespective of subject’s own educational status. These collectively indicate that parental educational status, rather than individual’s own educational status, better and independently predicts prevalent hypertension in young adults, and that young adults with low parental educational status are prone to intake more sodium, possibly contributing to the increased risk of hypertension development. We expect that our findings could help define young individuals at risk of high sodium intake and hypertension.
A tumor microenvironment-specific gene expression signature predicts chemotherapy resistance in colorectal cancer patients
Authors: Zhu Xiaoqiang , Tian Xianglong , Ji Linhua , Zhang Xinyu , Cao Yingying , Shen Chaoqin , Hu Ye , Wong Jason W. H. , Fang Jing-Yuan , Hong Jie , Chen Haoyan
Published: February 2021

Studies have shown that tumor microenvironment (TME) might affect drug sensitivity and the classification of colorectal cancer (CRC). Using TME-specific gene signature to identify CRC subtypes with distinctive clinical relevance has not yet been tested. A total of 18 “bulk” RNA-seq datasets (totaln = 2269) and four single-cell RNA-seq datasets were included in this study. We constructed a “Signature associated with FOLFIRI resistant and Microenvironment” (SFM) that could discriminate both TME and drug sensitivity. Further, SFM subtypes were identified usingK-means clustering and verified in three independent cohorts. Nearest template prediction algorithm was used to predict drug response. TME estimation was performed by CIBERSORT and microenvironment cell populations-counter (MCP-counter) methods. We identified six SFM subtypes based on SFM signature that discriminated both TME and drug sensitivity. The SFM subtypes were associated with distinct clinicopathological, molecular and phenotypic characteristics, specific enrichments of gene signatures, signaling pathways, prognosis, gut microbiome patterns, and tumor lymphocytes infiltration. Among them, SFM-C and -F were immune suppressive. SFM-F had higher stromal fraction with epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition phenotype, while SFM-C was characterized as microsatellite instability phenotype which was responsive to immunotherapy. SFM-D, -E, and -F were sensitive to FOLFIRI and FOLFOX, while SFM-A, -B, and -C were responsive to EGFR inhibitors. Finally, SFM subtypes had strong prognostic value in which SFM-E and -F had worse survival than other subtypes. SFM subtypes enable the stratification of CRC with potential chemotherapy response thereby providing more precise therapeutic options for these patients.
Clinical implications of systemic and local immune responses in human angiosarcoma
Authors: Chan Jason Yongsheng , Tan Grace Fangmin , Yeong Joe , Ong Chee Wee , Ng Dave Yong Xiang , Lee Elizabeth , Koh Joanna , Ng Cedric Chuan-Young , Lee Jing Yi , Liu Wei , Wong Ru Xin , Ong Chin-Ann Johnny , Farid Mohamad , Teh Bin Tean , Soo Khee Chee
Published: February 2021

Angiosarcomas are a rare subtype of soft-tissue sarcomas which exhibit aggressive clinical phenotypes with limited treatment options and poor outcomes. In this study, we investigated the clinical relevance of the peripheral blood neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) as a marker of systemic immune response, as well as its correlation with intra-tumoral immune profiles in a subgroup of cases (n = 35) using the NanoString PanCancer IO360 panel and multiplex immunohistochemistry. In the overall cohort (n = 150), angiosarcomas of the head and neck (AS-HN) comprised most cases (58.7%) and median overall survival (OS) was 1.1 year. NLR, classified as high in 78 of 112 (70%) evaluable patients, was independently correlated with worse OS (HR 1.84, 95%CI 1.18–2.87, p = 0.0073). Peripheral blood NLR was positively correlated with intra-tumoral NLR (tNLR) (Spearman’s rho 0.450, p = 0.0067). Visualization of tumor-infiltrating immune cells confirmed that tNLR scores correlated directly with both neutrophil (CD15+ cells, rho 0.398, p = 0.0198) and macrophage (CD68+ cells, rho 0.515, p = 0.0018) cell counts. Interestingly, tNLR correlated positively with oncogenic pathway scores including angiogenesis, matrix remodeling and metastasis, and cytokine and chemokine signaling, as well as myeloid compartment scores (all p < 0.001). In patients with documented response assessment to first-line chemotherapy, these pathway scores were all significantly higher in non-responders (47%) compared to responders. In conclusion, systemic and local immune responses may inform chemotherapy response and clinical outcomes in angiosarcomas.