bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Three‐Dimensional Finite Element Modeling of a Viscous Fluid Flowing through an External Gear Pump
Authors: de Bie Vincent G. , Luijten Luc S.D.P. , Hulsen Martien A. , Anderson Patrick D.
Published: October 2021

An external gear pump is a relatively simple and inexpensive pump, that is used in a variety of production systems. Numerous works have studied the external gear pump using numerical simulations; however, typically low‐viscosity fluids and turbulent flow conditions are considered. Previous work of the authors focused on predicting the output fluctuation and the volumetric efficiency of an external gear pump processing high‐viscosity fluids using a 2D representation. For certain conditions, backflow through all clearances could occur, resulting in a drop in volumetric efficiency. This calls for a full 3D model. Furthermore, high residence time zones are observed in the inflow channel of the pump. The 3D shape of these zones is still unknown. The aim of this work is to investigate the effect of the axial clearances on the performance of the external gear pump. A 3D mesh is generated by extruding the 2D mesh in the third direction, resulting in prism elements. This reduces the required number of elements and therewith makes the simulations computationally feasible. Introducing the axial clearances results in a lower efficiency compared to the 2D simulations. With particle tracking, the high residence time zones in the inflow channel are visualized in the 3D simulations.
Low Cost, Sensitive Impedance Detection of E. coli Bacteria in Food‐Matrix Samples Using Surface‐Imprinted Polymers as Whole‐Cell Receptors
Authors: Stilman Wouter , Campolim Lenzi Mariana , Wackers Gideon , Deschaume Olivier , Yongabi Derick , Mathijssen Glenn , Bartic Carmen , Gruber Jonas , Wübbenhorst Michael , Heyndrickx Marc , Wagner Patrick
Published: October 2021

Herein, a biomimetic sensor platform that allows sensitive, onsite detection of Escherichia coli (E. coli) with a limit of detection of 30 cells mL−1 in both buffer suspension and rinsing water from an industrial food‐preparation machine is reported. Ultrathin surface‐imprinted polymers are combined with non‐Faradaic impedance spectroscopy to measure the increase in resistance at the solid‐to‐liquid interface due to the binding of target cells by the receptor layer. The detection limit reached with this sensing principle is determined using an established, commercial impedance spectrometer and a low‐cost, home‐built impedance unit. Cross‐selectivity tests, with both an unrelated bacterial species and four species belonging to the same Enterobacteriales order, show that the response is strongest for the target bacterium while only a small cross‐selectivity signal (≈10–25%) is visible for all other types of bacteria. Therefore, this sensor is not only fast and low cost, but also sensitive and selective. Sample preparation is minimal, which is an asset for onsite bacterial detection in a food industry context.
Effective Enhancement of the Second‐Order Nonlinear Optical Responses of Graphynes by Introducing π‐Conjugated Chains with Donor/Acceptor Groups
Authors: Hou Na , Feng Ran , Fang Xiao‐Hui
Published: October 2021

Using density functional theory calculations, we have analyzed second‐order nonlinear optical (NLO) properties of a series of −(CH=CH)m−NH2/NO2‐modified graphynes (GY[n]) (n=1−3;m=1−6, 9, 12). This type of modification can induce evident electron transfer between the graphyne and conjugated chain and decrease the transition energy, resulting in the system exhibiting a large static first hyperpolarizability (β0). Theβ0values of the GY[n]−(CH=CH)m−NH2/NO2show a monotonously increasing trend with lengthening the −(CH=CH)m−NH2/NO2chain fromm=1 to 12. Further, the NO2‐modified system has a higherβ0value than the corresponding NH2‐modified system with the same π‐conjugated length. Compared with the single‐modified GY[1], the −(CH=CH)m−NH2/NO2co‐modified GY[1] systems exhibit better NLO responses. For GY[n]−(CH=CH)m−NO2, whenm=1−4, theβ0value increases with increasing the size of graphyne, while form=5, 6, 9, 12, the varying order is reversed. Solvent and frequency dispersion effects are also analyzed. The polarizable environment has a significant influence on hyper‐Rayleigh scattering first hyperpolarizability (βHRS).
Discrete Spherical Image Representation for CNN‐Based Spherical Camera Pose Estimation
Authors: Wang Le , Li Shigang
Published: October 2021

A spherical image has a full field of view. Using spherical images can estimate camera pose more accurately than conventional perspective images. It is known that a sphere can be quasi‐uniform sampled by dividing a geodesic dome repeatedly; it results in a representation with rotational invariance approximately. Based on this fact, in this paper we proposed a method of estimating a spherical camera pose based on the geodesic‐dome‐division‐based discrete spherical image representation by modifying the conventional perspective‐image‐oriented convolutional neural network, called PoseNet. First, a spherical image is represented as a geodesic‐dome‐division‐based discrete spherical image. Then, to cope with the six‐connectivity of the pixels of a geodesic‐dome‐division‐based discrete spherical image using the conventional convolutional neural network framework, the discrete spherical image is flattened as a connected five parallelograms and resampled as an eight‐connectivity image. Consequently, via the comparative experiments, it is found that the geodesic‐dome‐division‐based discrete spherical image representation approach can achieve a better result of camera pose estimation than equirectangular image and CubeMap representations. © 2021 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Towards Integrating Blockchains with Microservice Architecture Using Model-Driven Engineering
Authors: Trebbau Simon , Wizenty Philip , Sachweh Sabine
Published: October 2021

Blockchain presents a feasible method to persist immutable information in a distributed ledger to improve the level of authentication and trust. Moreover, smart contracts enable the automated execution of any contract concluded between participants of the Blockchain network. On the other hand, Microservice Architecture (MSA) is a novel approach towards service-based scalable applications. In our paper, we present an approach based on Model-Driven Engineering (MDE) that aims to facilitate the integration process of Blockchains into MSA-based applications in order to benefit from the advantages attributed to Blockchains.
The Future of Software Engineering: Where Will Machine Learning, Agile, and Virtualization Take Us Next?
Authors: Mancl Dennis , Fraser Steven D.
Published: October 2021

Software has become the lifeblood of the 21st century, enabling a broad range of commercial, medical, educational, agricultural, and government applications. These applications are designed and deployed through a variety of software best practices. With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, developers have embraced virtualization (remote working) and a variety of strategies to manage the complexity of global development on multiple platforms. However, evolving hazards such as network security, algorithm bias, and the combination of careless developers and deliberate attacks continue to be a challenge. An XP2021 panel organized and chaired by Steven Fraser debated the future of software engineering and related topics such education, ethics, and tools. The panel featured Anita Carleton (CMU’s SEI), Priya Marsonia (Cognizant), Bertrand Meyer (SIT, Eiffel Software), Landon Noll (Independent Consultant), and Kati Vilkki (Reaktor).
How Collective Intelligence Can Gear Agility with Sustainability
Authors: Ochoa-Zambrano Juan
Published: October 2021

Some emergent research works have identified that Agile methodologies and sustainability goals are, somehow, aligned. This alignment can be advantageously used to implement new transformation approaches with the objective of implementing a more effective adoption of both Agile and sustainably goals in organizations. Studies claim that Agile and sustainability can be geared with team collaboration and learning. Collective Intelligence has proven to be a very powerful tool, to generate solutions to complex problems, because it is able to combine the diversity of knowledge and skills of different actors into better solutions or processes, which can be extended to wider contexts. In addition, individuals participating in any collaborative process, benefit at the level of skills and new knowledge. In this article, the application of the concepts of collective intelligence to support a transformation process in which the combined adoption of the Agile and Sustainability goals is described.
Resurgence and 1/N Expansion in Integrable Field Theories
Authors: Di Pietro Lorenzo , Mariño Marcos , Sberveglieri Giacomo , Serone Marco
Published: October 2021

Abstract

In theories with renormalons the perturbative series is factorially divergent even after restricting to a given order in 1/N, making the 1/N expansion a natural testing ground for the theory of resurgence. We study in detail the interplay between resurgent properties and the 1/N expansion in various integrable field theories with renormalons. We focus on the free energy in the presence of a chemical potential coupled to a conserved charge, which can be computed exactly with the thermodynamic Bethe ansatz (TBA). In some examples, like the first 1/N correction to the free energy in the non-linear sigma model, the terms in the 1/N expansion can be fully decoded in terms of a resurgent trans-series in the coupling constant. In the principal chiral field we find a new, explicit solution for the large N free energy which can be written as the median resummation of a trans-series with infinitely many, analytically computable IR renormalon corrections. However, in other examples, like the Gross-Neveu model, each term in the 1/N expansion includes non-perturbative corrections which can not be predicted by a resurgent analysis of the corresponding perturbative series. We also study the properties of the series in 1/N. In the Gross-Neveu model, where this is convergent, we analytically continue the series beyond its radius of convergence and show how the continuation matches with known dualities with sine-Gordon theories.
Empiricism in the foundations of cognition
Authors: Childers Timothy , Hvorecký Juraj , Majer Ondrej
Published: October 2021

This paper traces the empiricist program from early debates between nativism and behaviorism within philosophy, through debates about early connectionist approaches within the cognitive sciences, and up to their recent iterations within the domain of deep learning. We demonstrate how current debates on the nature of cognition via deep network architecture echo some of the core issues from the Chomsky/Quine debate and investigate the strength of support offered by these various lines of research to the empiricist standpoint. Referencing literature from both computer science and philosophy, we conclude that the current state of deep learning does not offer strong encouragement to the empiricist side despite some arguments to the contrary.
Global and regional aggregate damages associated with global warming of 1.5 to 4 °C above pre-industrial levels
Authors: Warren R. , Hope C. , Gernaat D. E. H. J. , Van Vuuren D. P. , Jenkins K.
Published: October 2021

We quantify global and regional aggregate damages from global warming of 1.5 to 4 °C above pre-industrial levels using a well-established integrated assessment model, PAGE09. We find mean global aggregate damages in 2100 of 0.29% of GDP if global warming is limited to about 1.5 °C (90% confidence interval 0.09–0.60%) and 0.40% for 2 °C (range 0.12–0.91%). These are, respectively, 92% and 89% lower than mean losses of 3.67% of GDP (range 0.64–10.77%) associated with global warming of 4 °C. The net present value of global aggregate damages for the 2008–2200 period is estimated at $48.7 trillion for ~ 1.5 °C global warming (range $13–108 trillion) and $60.7 trillion for 2 °C (range $15–140 trillion). These are, respectively, 92% and 90% lower than the mean NPV of $591.7 trillion of GDP for 4 °C warming (range $70–1920 trillion). This leads to a mean social cost of CO2 emitted in 2020 of ~ $150 for 4 °C warming as compared to $30 at ~ 1.5 °C warming. The benefits of limiting warming to 1.5 °C rather than 2 °C might be underestimated since PAGE09 is not recalibrated to reflect the recent understanding of the full range of risks at 1.5 °C warming.
Multiscale matrix-fracture transfer functions for naturally fractured reservoirs using an analytical, infinite conductivity, discrete fracture model
Authors: Hazlett R. D. , Younis R.
Published: October 2021

Fracture matrix transfer functions have long been recognized as tools in modelling naturally fractured reservoirs. If a significant degree of fracturing is present, models involving single matrix blocks and matrix block distributions become relevant. However, this captures only the largest fracture sets and treats the matrix blocks as homogeneous, though possibly anisotropic. Herein, we produce the steady and transient baseline solutions for depletion for such models. Multiscale models pass below grid scale information to the larger scale system with some numerical cost. Instead, for below block scale information, we take the analytic solution to the Diffusivity Equation for transient inflow performance of wells of arbitrary trajectory, originally developed for Neumann boundary conditions, and recast it for Dirichlet boundaries with possible internal fractures of variable density, length, and orientation. As such, it represents the analytical solution for a heterogeneous matrix block surrounded by a constant pressure sink, we take to be the primary fracture system. Instead of using a constant rate internal boundary condition on a fracture surrounded by matrix, we segment the fracture and, through imposed material balance, force the internal complex fracture feature to be a constant pressure element with net zero flux. In doing so, we create a representative matrix block with infinite conductivity subscale fractures that impact the overall drainage into the surrounding fracture system. We vary the internal fracture structure and delineate sensitivity to fracture spacing and extent of fracturing. We generate the complete transient solution, enabling new well test interpretation for such systems in characterization of block size distributions or extent of below block-scale fracturing. The initial model for fully-penetrating fractures can be extended to 3D, generalized floating fractures of arbitrary inclination, and internal complex fracture networks.
Decline in Mast Cell Density During Diffuse Alveolar Damage in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Authors: Salonen Johanna , Kreus Mervi , Lehtonen Siri , Vähänikkilä Hannu , Purokivi Minna , Kaarteenaho Riitta
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Mast cells (MCs) are known to be involved in the pathogenesis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), although their role in acute exacerbations of IPF has not been investigated. The aims of the study were to evaluate the numbers of MCs in fibrotic and non-fibrotic areas of lung tissue specimens of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) patients with or without an acute exacerbation of IPF, and to correlate the MC density with clinical parameters. MCs of IPF patients were quantified from surgical lung biopsy (SLB) specimens (n = 47) and lung tissue specimens taken at autopsy (n = 7). MC density was higher in the fibrotic areas of lung tissue compared with spared alveolar areas or in controls. Female gender, low diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide, diffuse alveolar damage, and smoking were associated with a low MC density. MC densities of fibrotic areas had declined significantly in five subjects in whom both SLB in the stable phase and autopsy after an acute exacerbation of IPF had been performed. There were no correlations of MC densities with survival time or future acute exacerbations. The MC density in fibrotic areas was associated with several clinical parameters. An acute exacerbation of IPF was associated with a significant decline in MC counts. Further investigations will be needed to clarify the role of these cells in IPF and in the pathogenesis of acute exacerbation as this may help to identify some potential targets for medical treatment for this serious disease.
Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of the WHO Caregiver Skills Training in Public Health Services in Italy
Authors: Salomone Erica , Settanni Michele , McConachie Helen , Suma Katharine , Ferrara Federica , Foletti Giulia , Salandin Arianna ,   WHO CST Team, Brown Felicity L. , Pacione Laura , Shire Stephanie , Servili Chiara , Adamson Lauren B.
Published: October 2021

Parents of children with ASD (N = 86; mean age 44.8 months; 67 boys) were randomized to either WHO Caregiver Skills Training (CST) delivered in public health settings in Italy or enhanced treatment-as-usual. Primary blinded outcomes were 3-months post-intervention change scores of autism severity and engagement during caregiver-child interaction. CST was highly acceptable to caregivers and feasibly delivered by trained local clinicians. Intention-to-treat analysis showed a large and significant effect on parent skills supporting joint engagement and a smaller significant effect on flow of interaction. Expected changes in child autism severity and joint engagement did not meet statistical significance. Analysis of secondary outcomes showed a significant effect on parenting stress, self-efficacy, and child gestures. Strategies to improve the effectiveness of CST are discussed.
A review of flexible multibody dynamics for gradient-based design optimization
Authors: Gufler Veit , Wehrle Erich , Zwölfer Andreas
Published: October 2021

Design optimization of flexible multibody dynamics is critical to reducing weight and therefore increasing efficiency and lowering costs of mechanical systems. Simulation of flexible multibody systems, though, typically requires high computational effort which limits the usage of design optimization, especially when gradient-free methods are used and thousands of system evaluations are required. Efficient design optimization of flexible multibody dynamics is enabled by gradient-based optimization methods in concert with analytical sensitivity analysis. The present study summarizes different formulations of the equations of motion of flexible multibody dynamics. Design optimization techniques are introduced, and applications to flexible multibody dynamics are categorized. Efficient sensitivity analysis is the centerpiece of gradient-based design optimization, and sensitivity methods are introduced. The increased implementation effort of analytical sensitivity analysis is rewarded with high computational efficiency. An exemplary solution strategy for system and sensitivity evaluations is shown with the analytical direct differentiation method. Extensive literature sources are shown related to recent research activities.
Response to “Limitations in the Hilbert Transform Approach to Locating Solar Cycle Terminators” by R. Booth
Authors: Leamon Robert J. , McIntosh Scott W. , Chapman Sandra C. , Watkins Nicholas W.
Published: October 2021

Booth (Solar Phys.296, 108, 2021; hereafter B21) is essentially a critique of the Hilbert transform techniques used in our paper (Leamon et al., Solar Phys.295, 36, 2020; hereafter L20) to predict the termination of solar cycles. Here we respond to his arguments; our methodology and parameter choices do extract a mathematically robust signature of terminators from the historical sunspot record. We agree that the attempt in L20 to extrapolate beyond the sunspot record gives a failed prediction for the next terminator of May 2020, and we identify both a possible cause and remedy here. However, we disagree with the B21 assessment that the likely termination of Solar Cycle 24 is two years after the date predicted in L20, and we show why.
Inert agricultural spray adjuvants may increase the adverse effects of selected insecticides on honey bees (Apis mellifera L.) under laboratory conditions
Authors: Wernecke Anna , Eckert Jakob H. , Forster Rolf , Kurlemann Nils , Odemer Richard
Published: October 2021

Currently, more than 360 spray adjuvants are registered in Germany (September 2021). Unlike plant protection products (PPPs), adjuvants are not subjected to regulatory risk assessment. In practice, numerous combinations of PPPs and adjuvants are therefore possible. Thus, tank mixtures containing insecticides that are classified as non-hazardous to bees up to the highest approved application rate or concentration may raise pollinator safety concerns when mixed with efficacy increasing adjuvants and applied in bee-attractive crops. This study analyzes whether selected “PPP–adjuvant” combinations result in increased contact mortality and pose an elevated risk to honey bees. To answer this question, we chose six common spray adjuvants of different classes for laboratory screening. These were then tested in a total of 30 tank mixtures, each with a neonicotinoid (acetamiprid), pyrethroid (lambda-cyhalothrin), diamide (chlorantraniliprole), carbamate (pirimicarb), and butenolide (flupyradifurone) formulation. We adapted an acute contact test (OECD Test Guideline 214) to our needs, e.g., by using a professional spray chamber for more realistic exposures. Our results showed that, in total, 50% of all combinations significantly increased the mortality of caged honey bees in comparison with individual application of insecticides. In contrast, none of the adjuvants alone affected bee mortality (Cox proportional hazard model, p > 0.05). With four of the five insecticide formulations, the organosilicone surfactant Break-Thru® S 301 significantly increased bee mortality within 72 h (for all insecticides except chlorantraniliprole). Furthermore, acetamiprid yielded the highest and second highest mortality increases from a tank mixture with the crop oil surfactant LI 700® (hazard ratio = 28.84, p < 0.05) and the organosilicone Break-Thru® S 301 (hazard ratio = 14.66, p < 0.05), respectively. To assess risk in a more field-realistic setting, field trials should be performed to provide a more realistic exposure scenario under colony conditions.
Künstliche Intelligenz und Arbeit: Betrachtungen zwischen Prognose und betrieblicher Realität
Authors: Giering Oliver
Published: October 2021

Künstliche Intelligenz avanciert zu einem zentralen Thema der Debatten um eine übergreifende Digitalisierung der Arbeitswelt. Insgesamt zeigt sich dabei eine Dominanz wirtschaftlicher Perspektiven auf KI: so wird KI oft anhand ökonomischer Prognosen in Bezug auf Beschäftigung diskutiert. Andererseits finden sich auch Annahmen zu Auswirkungen auf Tätigkeiten im konkreten Arbeitsprozess. Einigkeit herrscht scheinbar darüber, dass KI umfangreiche Veränderungen in den Betrieben bewirken wird. Der Beitrag widmet sich im Sinne eines Positionspapiers diesem Spannungsfeld zwischen dominanten, diskursiven Erwartungen und empirischer, betrieblicher Realität von KI in Deutschland. Hierfür werden zentrale Perspektiven auf KI in Bezug auf Beschäftigung und Tätigkeiten vorgestellt und mit der vorhandenen Empirie zum Thema abgeglichen. Dadurch lassen sich die vorherrschenden Leitbilder und Spekulationen der KI Debatte besser einordnen. Die Sammlung der Empirie offenbart eklatante Forschungslücken hinsichtlich quantitativer als auch qualitativer Forschung zur Nutzung, als auch zum Einfluss von KI auf Arbeit. Zudem zeigen sich Schwierigkeiten bezüglich der Operationalisierung des Begriffs. Der Artikel bietet abschließend Überlegungen zu einem detaillierteren Verständnis von KI und zeigt Anknüpfungspunkte für künftige Forschung auf.

Praktische Relevanz: Der Artikel illustriert das Phänomen KI, indem er eine Übersicht über zentrale Perspektiven in Bezug auf Beschäftigung und Tätigkeiten vorstellt und die vorhandene Empirie zum Thema KI und Arbeit in Deutschland sammelt. Dadurch ermöglicht er es, die vielfältigen Prognosen und Spekulationen über KI insgesamt besser einzuordnen.
Diversity Forests: Using Split Sampling to Enable Innovative Complex Split Procedures in Random Forests
Authors: Hornung Roman
Published: October 2021

The diversity forest algorithm is an alternative candidate node split sampling scheme that makes innovative complex split procedures in random forests possible. While conventional univariable, binary splitting suffices for obtaining strong predictive performance, new complex split procedures can help tackling practically important issues. For example, interactions between features can be exploited effectively by bivariable splitting. With diversity forests, each split is selected from a candidate split set that is sampled in the following way: for $$l = 1, \dots , {nsplits}$$

l
=
1
,
⋯
,

nsplits

: (1) sample one split problem; (2) sample a single or few splits from the split problem sampled in (1) and add this or these splits to the candidate split set. The split problems are specifically structured collections of splits that depend on the respective split procedure considered. This sampling scheme makes innovative complex split procedures computationally tangible while avoiding overfitting. Important general properties of the diversity forest algorithm are evaluated empirically using univariable, binary splitting. Based on 220 data sets with binary outcomes, diversity forests are compared with conventional random forests and random forests using extremely randomized trees. It is seen that the split sampling scheme of diversity forests does not impair the predictive performance of random forests and that the performance is quite robust with regard to the specified nsplits value. The recently developed interaction forests are the first diversity forest method that uses a complex split procedure. Interaction forests allow modeling and detecting interactions between features effectively. Further potential complex split procedures are discussed as an outlook.
Comparing risk changes of needlestick injuries between countries adopted and not adopted the needlestick safety and prevention act: A meta-analysis
Authors: Ou Y.S. , Wu H.C. , Guo Y.L. , Shiao J.S.C.
Published: October 2021

Objectives:

To determine whether countries that adopted the Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act (NSPA) achieved a reduced risk of needlestick injuries (NSIs).

Method:

In this meta-analysis, 3 international databases (Embase, PubMed, and MEDLINE EBSCO) and 1 Chinese database (Airiti Library) were searched using appropriate keywords to retrieve relevant articles, including multiyear NSI incidences that were published after 2010. The Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Prevalence Studies was used to evaluate article prevalence. A binary random-effects model was used to estimate risk ratio as summary effect. A log scale was used to evaluate differences in risk ratios of NSIs between countries that adopted versus those that did not adopt the NSPA.

Results:

In total, 11 articles were included in the meta-analysis from 9 countries, and NSI incidence rates were surveyed between 1993 and 2016. The risk ratios of NSIs in countries with and without the NSPA were 0.78 (95% CI, 0.67–0.91) and 0.98 (95% CI, 0.85–1.12), respectively, and the ratio of risk ratios was 0.79 (95% CI, 0.65–0.98). Reduction in NSI incidence was more prominent in nurses than in physicians.

Conclusions:

Our findings suggest that the mandatory use of safety-engineered medical devices in countries that adopted the NSPA had lower NSI incidence in healthcare workers compared with countries without needlestick safety and prevention regulatory policies. Further studies are needed to develop preventive strategies to protect against NSIs in physicians, which should be incorporated into the standards of care established by national regulatory agencies.
Mitochondrial, exosomal miR137-COX6A2 and gamma synchrony as biomarkers of parvalbumin interneurons, psychopathology, and neurocognition in schizophrenia
Authors: Khadimallah Ines , Jenni Raoul , Cabungcal Jan-Harry , Cleusix Martine , Fournier Margot , Beard Elidie , Klauser Paul , Knebel Jean-François , Murray Micah M. , Retsa Chrysa , Siciliano Milena , Spencer Kevin M. , Steullet Pascal , Cuenod Michel , Conus Philippe , Do Kim Q.
Published: October 2021

Early detection and intervention in schizophrenia requires mechanism-based biomarkers that capture neural circuitry dysfunction, allowing better patient stratification, monitoring of disease progression and treatment. In prefrontal cortex and blood of redox dysregulated mice (Gclm-KO ± GBR), oxidative stress induces miR-137 upregulation, leading to decreased COX6A2 and mitophagy markers (NIX, Fundc1, and LC3B) and to accumulation of damaged mitochondria, further exacerbating oxidative stress and parvalbumin interneurons (PVI) impairment. MitoQ, a mitochondria-targeted antioxidant, rescued all these processes. Translating to early psychosis patients (EPP), blood exosomal miR-137 increases and COX6A2 decreases, combined with mitophagy markers alterations, suggest that observations made centrally and peripherally in animal model were reflected in patients’ blood. Higher exosomal miR-137 and lower COX6A2 levels were associated with a reduction of ASSR gamma oscillations in EEG. As ASSR requires proper PVI-related networks, alterations in miR-137/COX6A2 plasma exosome levels may represent a proxy marker of PVI cortical microcircuit impairment. EPP can be stratified in two subgroups: (a) a patients’ group with mitochondrial dysfunction “Psy-D”, having high miR-137 and low COX6A2 levels in exosomes, and (b) a “Psy-ND” subgroup with no/low mitochondrial impairment, including patients having miR-137 and COX6A2 levels in the range of controls. Psy-D patients exhibited more impaired ASSR responses in association with worse psychopathological status, neurocognitive performance, and global and social functioning, suggesting that impairment of PVI mitochondria leads to more severe disease profiles. This stratification would allow, with high selectivity and specificity, the selection of patients for treatments targeting brain mitochondria dysregulation and capture the clinical and functional efficacy of future clinical trials.
Role of RAGE in obesity-induced adipose tissue inflammation and insulin resistance
Authors: Feng Ziqian , Du Zuoqin , Shu Xin , Zhu Luochen , Wu Jiaqi , Gao Qian , Wang Liqun , Chen Ni , Li Yi , Luo Mao , Hill Michael A. , Wu Jianbo
Published: October 2021

Abatract

Obesity is known to be associated with adipose tissue inflammation and insulin resistance. Importantly, in obesity, the accumulation of proinflammatory macrophages in adipose tissue correlates with insulin resistance. We hypothesized that the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) and associated ligands are involved in adipose tissue insulin resistance, and that the activation of the AGE–RAGE axis plays an important role in obesity-associated inflammation. C57BL/6J mice (WT) and RAGE deficient (RAGE−/−) mice were fed a high fat diet (HFD) and subjected to glucose and insulin tolerance tests. Epdidymal adipose tissue (eAT) was collected and adipose stromal vascular cells isolated using flow cytometry. Visceral adipose tissue macrophage polarization was assessed by quantitative real time PCR. Immunoblotting was performed to evaluate the insulin signaling in adipose tissues. In additional studies, cell trafficking was assessed by injecting labeled blood monocytes into recipient mice. RAGE−/− mice displayed improved insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance, accompanied by decreased body weight and eAT mass. Exogenous methylglyoxal (MGO) impaired insulin-stimulated AKT signaling in adipose tissues from WT mice fed a normal chow diet, but not in RAGE−/− mice. In contrast, in obese mice, treatment with MGO did not reduce insulin-induced phosphorylation of AKT in WT-HFD mice. Moreover, insulin-induced AKT phosphorylation was found to be impaired in adipose tissue from RAGE−/−-HFD mice. RAGE−/− mice displayed improved inflammatory profiles and evidence for increased adipose tissue browning. This observation is consistent with the finding of reduced plasma levels of FFA, glycerol, IL-6, and leptin in RAGE−/− mice compared to WT mice. Collectively the data demonstrate that RAGE-mediated adipose tissue inflammation and insulin-signaling are potentially important mechanisms that contribute to the development of obesity-associated insulin resistance.
A novel deep intronic variant strongly associates with Alkaptonuria
Authors: Lai Chien-Yi , Tsai I-Jung , Chiu Pao-Chin , Ascher David B. , Chien Yin-Hsiu , Huang Yu-Hsuan , Lin Yi-Lin , Hwu Wuh-Liang , Lee Ni-Chung
Published: October 2021

Alkaptonuria is a rare autosomal recessive inherited disorder of tyrosine metabolism, which causes ochronosis, arthropathy, cardiac valvular calcification, and urolithiasis. The epidemiology of alkaptonuria in East Asia is not clear. In this study, patients diagnosed with alkaptonuria from January 2010 to June 2020 were reviewed. Their clinical and molecular features were further compared with those of patients from other countries. Three patients were found to have alkaptonuria. Mutation analyses of the homogentisate 1,2-dioxygenase gene (HGD) showed four novel variants c.16-2063 A > C, p.(Thr196Ile), p.(Gly344AspfsTer25), and p.(Gly362Arg) in six mutated alleles (83.3%). RNA sequencing revealed that c.16-2063 A > C activates a cryptic exon, causing protein truncation p.(Tyr5_Ile6insValTer17). A literature search identified another 6 patients with alkaptonuria in East Asia; including our cases, 13 of the 18 mutated alleles have not been reported elsewhere in the world. Alkaptonuria is rare in Taiwan and East Asia, with HGD variants being mostly novel and private.
A robust multiple-objective decision-making paradigm based on the water–energy–food security nexus under changing climate uncertainties
Authors: Enayati Maedeh , Bozorg-Haddad Omid , Fallah-Mehdipour Elahe , Zolghadr-Asli Babak , Chu Xuefeng
Published: October 2021

From the perspective of the water–energy–food (WEF) security nexus, sustainable water-related infrastructure may hinge on multi-dimensional decision-making, which is subject to some level of uncertainties imposed by internal or external sources such as climate change. It is important to note that the impact of this phenomenon is not solely limited to the changing behavior patterns of hydro-climatic variables since it can also affect the other pillars of the WEF nexus both directly and indirectly. Failing to address these issues can be costly, especially for those projects with long-lasting economic lifetimes such as hydropower systems. Ideally, a robust plan can tolerate these projected changes in climatic behavior and their associated impacts on other sectors, while maintaining an acceptable performance concerning environmental, socio-economic, and technical factors. This study, thus, aims to develop a robust multiple-objective decision-support framework to address these concerns. In principle, while this framework is sensitive to the uncertainties associated with the climate change projections, it can account for the intricacies that are commonly associated with the WEF security network. To demonstrate the applicability of this new framework, the Karkheh River basin in Iran was selected as a case study due to its critical role in ensuring water, energy, and food security of the region. In addition to the status quo, a series of climate change projections (i.e., RCP 2.6, RCP 4.5, and RCP 8.5) were integrated into the proposed decision support framework as well. Resultantly, the mega decision matrix for this problem was composed of 56 evaluation criteria and 27 feasible alternatives. A TOPSIS/Entropy method was used to select the most robust renovation plan for a hydropower system in the basin by creating a robust and objective weighting mechanism to quantify the role of each sector in the decision-making process. Accordingly, in this case, the energy, food, and environment sectors are objectively more involved in the decision-making process. The results revealed that the role of the social aspect is practically negligible. The results also unveiled that while increasing the power plant capacity or the plant factor would be, seemingly, in favor of the energy sector, if all relevant factors are to be considered, the overall performance of the system might resultantly become sub-optimal, jeopardizing the security of other aspects of the water–energy–food nexus.
Prokaryotic responses to a warm temperature anomaly in northeast subarctic Pacific waters
Authors: Traving Sachia J. , Kellogg Colleen T. E. , Ross Tetjana , McLaughlin Ryan , Kieft Brandon , Ho Grace Y. , Peña Angelica , Krzywinski Martin , Robert Marie , Hallam Steven J.
Published: October 2021

Recent studies on marine heat waves describe water temperature anomalies causing changes in food web structure, bloom dynamics, biodiversity loss, and increased plant and animal mortality. However, little information is available on how water temperature anomalies impact prokaryotes (bacteria and archaea) inhabiting ocean waters. This is a nontrivial omission given their integral roles in driving major biogeochemical fluxes that influence ocean productivity and the climate system. Here we present a time-resolved study on the impact of a large-scale warm water surface anomaly in the northeast subarctic Pacific Ocean, colloquially known as the Blob, on prokaryotic community compositions. Multivariate statistical analyses identified significant depth- and season-dependent trends that were accentuated during the Blob. Moreover, network and indicator analyses identified shifts in specific prokaryotic assemblages from typically particle-associated before the Blob to taxa considered free-living and chemoautotrophic during the Blob, with potential implications for primary production and organic carbon conversion and export.
Accurate detection and quantification of SARS-CoV-2 genomic and subgenomic mRNAs by ddPCR and meta-transcriptomics analysis
Authors: Oranger Annarita , Manzari Caterina , Chiara Matteo , Notario Elisabetta , Fosso Bruno , Parisi Antonio , Bianco Angelica , Iacobellis Michela , d’Avenia Morena , D’Erchia Anna Maria , Pesole Graziano
Published: October 2021

SARS-CoV-2 replication requires the synthesis of a set of structural proteins expressed through discontinuous transcription of ten subgenomic mRNAs (sgmRNAs). Here, we have fine-tuned droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) assays to accurately detect and quantify SARS-CoV-2 genomic ORF1ab and sgmRNAs for the nucleocapsid (N) and spike (S) proteins. We analyzed 166 RNA samples from anonymized SARS-CoV-2 positive subjects and we observed a recurrent and characteristic pattern of sgmRNAs expression in relation to the total viral RNA content. Additionally, expression profiles of sgmRNAs, as determined by meta-transcriptomics sequencing of a subset of 110 RNA samples, were highly correlated with those obtained by ddPCR. By providing a comprehensive and dynamic snapshot of the levels of SARS-CoV-2 sgmRNAs in infected individuals, our results may contribute a better understanding of the dynamics of transcription and expression of the genome of SARS-CoV-2 and facilitate the development of more accurate molecular diagnostic tools for the stratification of COVID-19 patients.
Accelerating charge transfer via nonconjugated polyelectrolyte interlayers toward efficient versatile photoredox catalysis
Authors: Li Tao , Feng Chuang , Yap Boon Kar , Zhu Xuhui , Xiong Biquan , He Zhicai , Wong Wai-Yeung
Published: October 2021

One of the challenges for high-efficiency single-component-based photoredox catalysts is the low charge transfer and extraction due to the high recombination rate. Here, we demonstrate a strategy to precisely control the charge separation and transport efficiency of the catalytic host by introducing electron or hole extraction interlayers to improve the catalytic efficiency. We use simple and easily available non-conjugated polyelectrolytes (NCPs) (i.e., polyethyleneimine, PEI; poly(allylamine hydrochloride), PAH) to form interlayers, wherein such NCPs consist of the nonconjugated backbone with charge transporting functional groups. Taking CdS as examples, it is shown that although PEI and PAH are insulators and therefore do not have the ability to conduct electricity, they can form good electron or hole transport extraction layers due to the higher charge-transfer kinetics of pendant groups along the backbones, thereby greatly improving the charge transfer capability of CdS. Consequently, the resultant PEI-/PAH-functionalized nanocomposites exhibit significantly enhanced and versatile photoredox catalysis.
Nucleic acid amplification-integrated single-molecule fluorescence imaging forin vitroandin vivobiosensing
Authors: Ma Fei , Li Chen-Chen , Zhang Chun-Yang
Published: October 2021

We review the advances in the integration of single-molecule fluorescence imaging with nucleic acid amplification forin vitroandin vivobiosensing.
Self-assembly and supramolecular isomerism in 1D metal–organometallic networks based on transition-metal assemblies from 1,1′-ferrocene-dicarboxylic acid and ancillary nitrogen heterocycle ligands
Authors: Ospina-Castro María L. , Ávila Edward E. , Briceño Alexander , Reiber Andreas , Pacheco-Londoño Leonardo C. , Galan-Freyle Nataly J.
Published: October 2021

Eight novel 1D-MOMN's with different topologies were obtained from the self-assembly of M(ii) (M: Cu, Co, Cd, Zn), ancillary nitrogen ligands and bridging 1,1′-ferrocenedicarboxylate anions and characterized by X-ray diffraction techniques.
Aromaticity reversals and their effect on bonding in the low-lying electronic states of cyclooctatetraene
Authors: Karadakov Peter B. , Preston Nicholas
Published: October 2021

Aromaticity reversals and their effect on bonding in the low-lying electronic states of cyclooctatetraene are investigated through a visual approach which examines variations in isotropic magnetic shielding in the space surrounding the molecule.
Oxidative dehalogenation of halophenols by high-valent nonheme iron(iv)-oxo intermediates
Authors: Bagha Umesh Kumar , Satpathy Jagnyesh Kumar , Mukherjee Gourab , Barman Prasenjit , Kumar Devesh , de Visser Sam P. , Sastri Chivukula V.
Published: October 2021

A detailed kinetics and mechanistic study on the reactivity of nonheme iron(iv)-oxo complexes for the dehalogenation reactions with halophenols reveals that the reaction proceeds via initial H-atom abstraction. The product distribution indicates that more than one reaction pathway is plausible.
Simultaneous measurement stable and radiogenic Nd isotopic compositions by MC-ICP-MS with a single-step chromatographic extraction technique
Authors: Bai Jiang-Hao , Liu Fang , Zhang Zhao-Feng , Ma Jin-Long , Zhang Le , Liu Yu-Fei , Zhong Song-Xiong , Wei Gang-Jian
Published: October 2021

A single TODGA resin column to isolate Nd from geological samples.
Recent advanced development of metal-loaded mesoporous organosilicas as catalytic nanoreactors
Authors: Liang Yucang
Published: October 2021

An up-to-date overview of the designability and catalytic application of transition metal-loaded mesoporous organosilica nanoreactors will be highlighted. Their synthetic approaches and catalytic performance are summarized.
The Development of Cognate Awareness in Child Second/Third Language Learners of French in French Immersion: The Effects of Orthographic Overlap and Cognate Status
Authors: Hipfner-Boucher Kathleen , Pasquarella Adrian , Prasad Sonal , Chen Xi
Published: October 2021

Purpose

Our 1-year longitudinal study tracked the development of cognate awareness among second (L2) and third language (L3) learners of French in French immersion in Grades 1 and 2 to explore the impact of orthographic overlap and cognate status (true vs. false) on children's ability to recognize cognate relationships. We also assessed the impact of French L2/L3 status on performance.

Method

We compared performance on three conditions (true cognates with same and similar spellings, false cognates with same spellings) within and across grades. We used a direct measure of cognate awareness that required children (
n
= 81) to distinguish true from false cognates presented orally and in print.

Results

Overall, Grade 1 children failed to recognize cognate relationships between true cognates with similar spellings, but successfully recognized true cognates with same spellings. Performance on all conditions increased significantly between Grades 1 and 2. The greatest improvement was seen on true cognates with similar spellings. Performance on false cognates was inferior to performance on true cognates with same spellings in Grade 1, and inferior to performance on both same and similar spelled true cognates in Grade 2. No differences were found due to L2/L3 status.

Conclusions

Among sequential learners of L2/L3 French in the early stages of additional language learning, cognate awareness is impacted by the degree of orthographic overlap, as well as by cognate status. Children's ability to recognize cross-language orthographic and semantic relationships improves substantially across the early elementary grades.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.16821106
Application of an Ageing Model to a Hydrogen-Fuelled PEM Fuel Cell
Authors: Riccardi Matteo , Romagnoli Marcello , Corda Giuseppe
Published: October 2021

Hydrogen is one of the most promising energy vectors for achieving the decarbonization of the propulsion systems market. Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell system (PEMFCs) stand out in this panorama, thanks to reduced activation times and low temperatures of use, easily adapting to the needs of the sector. In this paper, a multi-phase, multi-component and non-isothermal 3D-CFD model is proposed to simulate the effects of PEMFC ageing, limiting the system durability due to slow membrane corrosion and loss of material performance and properties degradation, resulting in a reduced current density under equal voltage.

The model is applied both in 1D and 3D frameworks implementing a validated model from literature, allowing to estimate the useful life of the cell as a function of parameters such as the degradation rate and the crossover rate. Simulations are carried out at different membrane thicknesses and for different membrane conductivities, using a hydrogen-fuelled serpentine-type PEM fuel cell. The study relevance lies in the possibility to investigate the critical aspects limiting PEMFC system durability, as well as the optimal conditions of use, and it allows to identify corrective design actions.
Postnatale Depressionenbei Vätern
Authors: Kittel-Schneider Sarah
Published: October 2021

Neben Frauen erleben auch Männer die Schwangerschaft und Geburt eines Kindes als Phase des Umbruchs. Dadurch können Sorgen und Ängste entstehen. Studien zufolge sind ca. 5–10% der Väter von einer peripartalen Depression betroffen. Da sich diese ebenso wie eine Depression der Mutter negativ auf die Entwicklung des Kindes auswirken kann, ist es wichtig, die Erkrankung frühzeitig zu diagnostizieren und zu behandeln. Durch ihre Nähe zu den Familien, spielen Hebammen bei der Erkennung eine wichtige Rolle.
The estimates of the ill-posedness index of the (deformed-) continuous Heisenberg spin equation
Authors: Zhong Penghong , Chen Ye , Yang Ganshan
Published: October 2021

Although the exact treatment of the continuous Heisenberg spin is already known, the exact solution of the deformed system is not found in the literature. In this paper, some traveling wave solutions of the deformed (indicated by the coefficient α) continuous Heisenberg spin equation are obtained. Based on the exact solution being constructed here, the ill-posedness results are proved by the estimation of the Fourier integral in Ḣs. If α ≠ 0, the range of the mild ill-posedness index s is (1,32), which is consistent with the result of the formal analysis of the solution. Moreover, the upper bound of the strong ill-posedness index s jumps at α = 0: if α ≠ 0, the upper bound is 2; if α = 0, then the upper bound jumps to 32.