bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cerebral μ-opioid and CB1 receptor systems have distinct roles in human feeding behavior
Authors: Kantonen Tatu , Karjalainen Tomi , Pekkarinen Laura , Isojärvi Janne , Kalliokoski Kari , Kaasinen Valtteri , Hirvonen Jussi , Nuutila Pirjo , Nummenmaa Lauri
Published: August 2021

Eating behavior varies greatly between individuals, but the neurobiological basis of these trait-like differences in feeding remains poorly understood. Central μ-opioid receptors (MOR) and cannabinoid CB1 receptors (CB1R) regulate energy balance via multiple neural pathways, promoting food intake and reward. Because obesity and eating disorders have been associated with alterations in the brain’s opioid and endocannabinoid signaling, the variation in MOR and CB1R system function could potentially underlie distinct eating behavior phenotypes. In this retrospective positron emission tomography (PET) study, we analyzed [11C]carfentanil PET scans of MORs from 92 healthy subjects (70 males and 22 females), and [18F]FMPEP-d2 scans of CB1Rs from 35 subjects (all males, all also included in the [11C]carfentanil sample). Eating styles were measured with the Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire (DEBQ). We found that lower cerebral MOR availability was associated with increased external eating—individuals with low MORs reported being more likely to eat in response to environment’s palatable food cues. CB1R availability was associated with multiple eating behavior traits. We conclude that although MORs and CB1Rs overlap anatomically in brain regions regulating food reward, they have distinct roles in mediating individual feeding patterns. Central MOR system might provide a pharmacological target for reducing individual’s excessive cue-reactive eating behavior.
3D assessment of intervertebral disc degeneration in zebrafish identifies changes in bone density that prime disc disease
Authors: Kague Erika , Turci Francesco , Newman Elis , Yang Yushi , Brown Kate Robson , Aglan Mona S. , Otaify Ghada A. , Temtamy Samia A. , Ruiz-Perez Victor L. , Cross Stephen , Royall C. Patrick , Witten P. Eckhard , Hammond Chrissy L.
Published: August 2021

Back pain is a common condition with a high social impact and represents a global health burden. Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) is one of the major causes of back pain; no therapeutics are currently available to reverse this disease. The impact of bone mineral density (BMD) on IVDD has been controversial, with some studies suggesting osteoporosis as causative for IVDD and others suggesting it as protective for IVDD. Functional studies to evaluate the influence of genetic components of BMD in IVDD could highlight opportunities for drug development and repurposing. By taking a holistic 3D approach, we established an aging zebrafish model for spontaneous IVDD. Increased BMD in aging, detected by automated computational analysis, is caused by bone deformities at the endplates. However, aged zebrafish spines showed changes in bone morphology, microstructure, mineral heterogeneity, and increased fragility that resembled osteoporosis. Elements of the discs recapitulated IVDD symptoms found in humans: the intervertebral ligament (equivalent to the annulus fibrosus) showed disorganized collagen fibers and herniation, while the disc center (nucleus pulposus equivalent) showed dehydration and cellular abnormalities. We manipulated BMD in young zebrafish by mutatingsp7andcathepsin K, leading to low and high BMD, respectively. Remarkably, we detected IVDD in both groups, demonstrating that low BMD does not protect against IVDD, and we found a strong correlation between high BMD and IVDD. Deep learning was applied to high-resolution synchrotron µCT image data to analyze osteocyte 3D lacunar distribution and morphology, revealing a role ofsp7in controlling the osteocyte lacunar 3D profile. Our findings suggest potential avenues through which bone quality can be targeted to identify beneficial therapeutics for IVDD.
Inhibition of DNA methylation during chronic obstructive bladder disease (COBD) improves function, pathology and expression
Authors: Sidler Martin , Aitken K. J. , Jiang Jia-Xin , Yadav Priyank , Lloyd Erin , Ibrahim Malak , Choufani Sanaa , Weksberg Rosanna , Bägli Darius
Published: August 2021

Partial bladder outlet obstruction due to prostate hyperplasia or posterior urethral valves, is a widespread cause of urinary dysfunction, patient discomfort and also responsible for immense health care costs. Even after removal or relief of obstruction, the functional and pathologic aspects of obstruction remain as a chronic obstructive bladder disease (COBD). Epigenetic changes, such as DNA methylation, contribute to the persistent character of many chronic diseases, and may be altered in COBD. We tested whether candidate genes and pathways and the pathophysiology of COBD were affected by a hypomethylating agent, decitabine (DAC). COBD was created in female Sprague-Dawley rats by surgical ligation of the urethra for 6 weeks, followed by removal of the suture. Sham ligations were performed by passing the suture behind the urethra. After removal of the obstruction or sham removal, animals were randomized to DAC treatment (1 mg/kg/3-times/week intraperitoneally) or vehicle (normal saline). Bladder function was non-invasively tested using metabolic cages, both one day prior to de-obstruction at 6 weeks and prior to sacrifice at 10 weeks. Residual volume and bladder mass were measured for each bladder. Bladders were examined by immunostaining as well as qPCR. The effects of DNA methyltransferase (DNMT)-3A knockout or overexpression on smooth muscle cell (SMC) function and phenotype were also examined in bladder SMC and ex vivo culture. Residual volumes of the DAC treated group were not significantly different from the NS group. Compared to COBD NS, COBD DAC treatment helped preserve micturition volume with a significant recovery of the voiding efficiency (ratio of the maximum voided volume/maximum bladder capacity) by one third (Fig. 1, p > 0.05). Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) variants 1 and 5 were upregulated by COBD and significantly reduced by DAC treatment. Deposition of collagen in the COBD bladder was reduced by DAC, but gross hypertrophy remained. In bladder SMC, DNMT3A overexpression led to a loss of contractile function and phenotype. In bladders, persistently altered by COBD, inhibition of DNA-methylation enhances functional recovery, unlike treatment during partial obstruction, which exacerbates obstructive pathology. The underlying mechanisms may relate to the gene expression changes in BDNF and their effects on signaling in the bladder.
A new cylindrical borehole detector for radiographic imaging with muons
Authors: Cimmino L. , Ambrosino F. , Anastasio A. , D’Errico M. , Masone V. , Roscilli L. , Saracino G.
Published: August 2021

Muon radiography is a methodology which enables measuring the mass distribution within large objects. It exploits the abundant flux of cosmic muons and uses detectors with different technologies depending on the application. As the sensitive surface and geometric acceptance are two fundamental parameters for increasing the collection of muons, the optimization of the detectors is very significant. Here we show a potentially innovative detector of size and shape suitable to be inserted inside a borehole, that optimizes the sensitive area and maximizes the angular acceptance thanks to its cylindrical geometry obtained using plastic arc-shaped scintillators. Good spatial resolution is obtained with a reasonable number of channels. The dimensions of the detector make it ideal for use in 25 cm diameter wells. Detailed simulations based on Monte Carlo methods show great cavity detection capability. The detector has been tested in the laboratory, achieving overall excellent performance.
A quality optimization approach to image Achilles tendon microstructure by phase-contrast enhanced synchrotron micro-tomography
Authors: Pierantoni Maria , Silva Barreto Isabella , Hammerman Malin , Verhoeven Lissa , Törnquist Elin , Novak Vladimir , Mokso Rajmund , Eliasson Pernilla , Isaksson Hanna
Published: August 2021

Achilles tendons are mechanosensitive, and their complex hierarchical structure is in part the result of the mechanical stimulation conveyed by the muscles. To fully understand how their microstructure responds to mechanical loading a non-invasive approach for 3D high resolution imaging suitable for soft tissue is required. Here we propose a protocol that can capture the complex 3D organization of the Achilles tendon microstructure, using phase-contrast enhanced synchrotron micro-tomography (SR-PhC-μCT). We investigate the effects that sample preparation and imaging conditions have on the resulting image quality, by considering four types of sample preparations and two imaging setups (sub-micrometric and micrometric final pixel sizes). The image quality is assessed using four quantitative parameters. The results show that for studying tendon collagen fibers, conventional invasive sample preparations such as fixation and embedding are not necessary or advantageous. Instead, fresh frozen samples result in high-quality images that capture the complex 3D organization of tendon fibers in conditions as close as possible to natural. The comprehensive nature of this innovative study by SR-PhC-μCT breaks ground for future studies of soft complex biological tissue in 3D with high resolution in close to natural conditions, which could be further used for in situ characterization of how soft tissue responds to mechanical stimuli on a microscopic level.
Patients with tinnitus use more primary healthcare compared to people without tinnitus
Authors: Rademaker Maaike Maartje , Stegeman Inge , Hooiveld Mariette , Stokroos Robert Jan , Smit Adriana Leni
Published: August 2021

Tinnitus is a heterogeneous condition not only in terms of nature of the sound, but also in co-morbidities such as mental health issues. Prevalence number range widely between 5 and 43%. Even though the etiologic pathway between tinnitus and its comorbidities remains unclear, in this study we aim to assess whether people with tinnitus use more primary health care than people without tinnitus. To compare primary healthcare consumption between patients with tinnitus and people without tinnitus. In this cross-sectional study, data on number of consultations with the general practitioner or nurse practitioner mental health services were obtained from Nivel (Netherlands Institute for Health Service Research) Primary Care Database in 2018 (n = 963,880 people). People with an open tinnitus episode (n = 8050) were defined as a patient with tinnitus and compared to all other people. Percentages, means, ranges and mean differences were calculated for the total number of consultations and for organ specific diagnoses registered as ICPC-1 code on the day of consultation. Secondary, the total number of referrals to medical specialists and number of drug prescriptions was collected. Logistic regressions were performed to predict having one or more contacts, referrals, and prescriptions,with having tinnitus, this was corrected for age and gender. Patients with tinnitus had a mean of 9.8 (SD 10.9) primary care consultations in 2018, compared to 5.7 (SD 7.9) for people without tinnitus. More patients with tinnitus had more than one referral to medical specialists (47%) compared to people without tinnitus (25%). Patients with tinnitus have 1.2 (mean difference) more drug prescriptions than people without tinnitus. Compared to people without tinnitus, patients with tinnitus were more likely to have one or more of primary healthcare contact, independent of age group and gender. Patients with tinnitus had more consultations in primary health care than people without tinnitus. They are more often referred to medical specialists and receive more drug prescriptions. The causal relationship between tinnitus and the higher healthcare consumption remains to be researched.
Dietary supplementation of β-conglycinin, with or without sodium butyrate on the growth, immune response and intestinal health of hybrid grouper
Authors: Yin Bin , Liu Hongyu , Tan Beiping , Dong Xiaohui , Chi Shuyan , Yang Qihui , Zhang Shuang
Published: August 2021

We investigated the effects of low and high doses of β-conglycinin and the ameliorative effects of sodium butyrate (based on high-dose β-conglycinin) on the growth performance, serum immunity, distal intestinal histopathology, and gene, protein expression related to intestinal health in hybrid grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus ♀ × E. lanceolatus ♂). The results revealed that the instantaneous growth rate (IGR) of grouper significantly increased, decreased, and increased in the low-dose β-conglycinin (bL), high-level β-conglycinin (bH) and high-level β-conglycinin plus sodium butyrate (bH-NaB), respectively. The feed coefficient ratio (FCR) was significantly increased in the bH and bH-NaB, serum levels of IFN-γ, IL-1β, and TNF-α were upregulated in the bH. The intestinal diameter/fold height ratio was significantly increased in the bH. Furthermore, there were increases in nitric oxide (NO), total nitric oxide synthase (total NOS), and peroxynitrite anion (ONOO−) in the bH, and decreases in total NOS and ONOO− in the bH-NaB. In the distal intestine, IL-1β and TGF-β1 mRNA levels were downregulated and upregulated, respective in the bL. The mRNA levels of TNF-α and IL-6 were upregulated in the bH, and downregulated in the bH-NaB, respectively. Occludin, claudin3 and ZO-3 mRNA levels were upregulated in the bL, downregulated in the bH and then upregulated in the bH-NaB. No significant differences were observed in the mRNA levels of IFN-γ and jam4. And the p-PI3K p85Tyr458/total PI3K p85 value was significantly increased in the bH and then decreased in the bH-NaB, and the total Akt value was significantly increased in the bH. These indicate β-conglycinin has a regulatory effect on serum immunity and affect distal intestinal development by modulating distal intestinal injury-related parameters. Within the distal intestinal tract, low- and high-dose β-conglycinin differentially affect immune responses and tight junctions in the distal intestine, which eventually manifests as a reduction in growth performance. Supplementing feed with sodium butyrate might represent an effective approach for enhancing serum immunity, and protects the intestines from damage caused by high-dose β-conglycinin.
Using plant physiological stable oxygen isotope models to counter food fraud
Authors: Cueni Florian , Nelson Daniel B. , Boner Markus , Kahmen Ansgar
Published: August 2021

Fraudulent food products, especially regarding false claims of geographic origin, impose economic damages of $30–$40 billion per year. Stable isotope methods, using oxygen isotopes (δ18O) in particular, are the leading forensic tools for identifying these crimes. Plant physiological stable oxygen isotope models simulate how precipitation δ18O values and climatic variables shape the δ18O values of water and organic compounds in plants. These models have the potential to simplify, speed up, and improve conventional stable isotope applications and produce temporally resolved, accurate, and precise region-of-origin assignments for agricultural food products. However, the validation of these models and thus the best choice of model parameters and input variables have limited the application of the models for the origin identification of food. In our study we test model predictions against a unique 11-year European strawberry δ18O reference dataset to evaluate how choices of input variable sources and model parameterization impact the prediction skill of the model. Our results show that modifying leaf-based model parameters specifically for fruit and with product-independent, but growth time specific environmental input data, plant physiological isotope models offer a new and dynamic method that can accurately predict the geographic origin of a plant product and can advance the field of stable isotope analysis to counter food fraud.
Incidence of and risk factors for new-onset deep venous thrombosis after intertrochanteric fracture surgery
Authors: Zhao Kuo , Zhang Junzhe , Li Junyong , Meng Hongyu , Hou Zhiyong , Zhang Yingze
Published: August 2021

This study aimed to investigate the incidence of and risk factors for postoperative new-onset deep venous thrombosis (PNO-DVT) following intertrochanteric fracture surgery. Information on 1672 patients who underwent intertrochanteric fracture surgery at our hospital between January 2016 and December 2019 was extracted from a prospective hip fracture database. Demographic information, surgical data, and preoperative laboratory indices were analysed. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, univariate analyses and binary logistic regression analyses were performed. The incidences of postoperative deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and PNO-DVT in inpatients after intertrochanteric fracture surgery were 11.5% (202 of 1751 patients) and 7.4% (123 of 1672 patients), respectively. PNO-DVT accounted for 60.9% of postoperative DVT. Additionally, there were 20 cases of central thrombosis (16.3%), 82 cases of peripheral thrombosis (66.7%), and 21 cases of mixed thrombosis (17.1%). In addition, 82.1% of PNO-DVTs were diagnosed within 8 days after surgery. The multivariate analysis revealed that age > 70 years, duration of surgery (> 197 min), type of anaesthesia (general), and comorbidities (≥ 3) were independent risk factors for the development of PNO-DVT after intertrochanteric fracture surgery. This study demonstrated a high incidence of PNO-DVT in inpatients after intertrochanteric fracture surgery. Therefore, postoperative examination for DVT should be routinely conducted for patients.
Effects of order on memory of event times
Authors: Naim Michelangelo , Katkov Mikhail , Tsodyks Misha
Published: August 2021

Memorizing time of an event may employ two processes (1) encoding of the absolute time of events within an episode, (2) encoding of its relative order. Here we study interaction between these two processes. We performed experiments in which one or several items were presented, after which participants were asked to report the time of occurrence of items. When a single item was presented, the distribution of reported times was quite wide. When two or three items were presented, the relative order among them strongly affected the reported time of each of them. Bayesian theory that takes into account the memory for the events order is compatible with the experimental data, in particular in terms of the effect of order on absolute time reports. Our results suggest that people do not deduce order from memorized time, instead people’s memory for absolute time of events relies critically on memorized order of the events.
Seroprevalence and molecular diversity of Human Herpesvirus 8 among people living with HIV in Brazzaville, Congo
Authors: Malonga Gervillien Arnold , Jary Aude , Leducq Valentin , Moudiongui Mboungou Malanda Dimitry , Boumba Anicet Luc Magloire , Chicaud Elodie , Malet Isabelle , Calvez Vincent , Peko Jean Felix , Marcelin Anne-Geneviève
Published: August 2021

Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV8) is endemic in Africa, although studies of this infection are rare in Congo. We evaluated seroprevalence and HHV-8 diversity among people living with HIV. We included 353 patients receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy. Antibodies against HHV-8 latency-associated nuclear antigen were detected by indirect immunofluorescence. In HHV-8 positive patients, we performed HHV-8 quantification in blood and saliva by real-time PCR and typing by Sanger sequencing of K1 open reading frame. HHV-8 seroprevalence was 19%, being male (odd ratio [OR] = 1.741, [95% Confidence interval {CI}, 0.97–3.07];p = 0.0581) and having multiple sex partners before HIV diagnosis (OR = 1.682, [CI 95%, 0.97–2.92];p = 0.0629) tended to be associated with HHV-8 seropositivity. Of the 64 HHV-8 seropositive patients, HHV-8 DNA was detected in 10 (16%) in saliva, 6 (9%) in whole-blood and in 2 (3%) in both whole-blood and saliva. Three out of 6 HHV-8 strains were subtypes A5, 2 subtype B1 and 1 subtype C. HHV-8 seroprevalence was relatively low with more frequent carriage in men, associated with asymptomatic oral excretion and a predominance of subtype A5. These data tend to support the hypothesis of horizontal transmission in people living with HIV in Brazzaville.
Persistent fluid flows defined by active matter boundaries
Authors: Qu Zijie , Schildknecht Dominik , Shadkhoo Shahriar , Amaya Enrique , Jiang Jialong , Lee Heun Jin , Larios David , Yang Fan , Phillips Rob , Thomson Matt
Published: August 2021

Biological systems control ambient fluids through the self-organization of active protein structures, including flagella, cilia, and cytoskeletal networks. Self-organization of protein components enables the control and modulation of fluid flow fields on micron scales, however, the physical principles underlying the organization and control of active-matter-driven fluid flows are poorly understood. Here, we use an optically-controlled active-matter system composed of microtubule filaments and light-switchable kinesin motor proteins to analyze the emergence of persistent flow fields. Using light, we form contractile microtubule networks of varying size and shape, and demonstrate that the geometry of microtubule flux at the corners of contracting microtubule networks predicts the architecture of fluid flow fields across network geometries through a simple point force model. Our work provides a foundation for programming microscopic fluid flows with controllable active matter and could enable the engineering of versatile and dynamic microfluidic devices.
Oxygen vacancy induced MnO2 catalysts for efficient toluene catalytic oxidation
Authors: Zeng Jia , Xie Hongmei , Liu Zhao , Liu Xuecheng , Zhou Guilin , Jiang Yi
Published: August 2021

The α-MnO2, with abundant oxygen vacancies, facilitates the adsorption and activation of O2 to produce active adsorbed oxygen species and weakens lattice oxygens species. These oxygen species can significantly improve toluene catalytic oxidation.
Correction: Role of additives and solvents in the synthesis of chiral isoreticular MOF-74 topologies
Authors: Gheorghe Andreea , Reus Suzanne , Koenis Mark , Dubbeldam David , Woutersen Sander , Tanase Stefania
Published: August 2021

Correction for ‘Role of additives and solvents in the synthesis of chiral isoreticular MOF-74 topologies’ by Andreea Gheorghe et al., Dalton Trans., 2021, DOI: 10.1039/D1DT01945G.
Water monitoring by means of digital microscopy identification and classification of microalgae
Authors: Barsanti Laura , Birindelli Lorenzo , Gualtieri Paolo
Published: August 2021

This review reports state-of-the-art methods for automated microalgae classification aimed at monitoring water ecosystem conditions by means of digital microscopy, its current state and indications of future directions the field is expected to take.
DOM removal is more important than the specific DOM removal pretreatment process for GAC adsorption of TrOCs
Authors: Kennedy Anthony , Hausmann Janet , Corwin Christopher , Summers R. Scott
Published: August 2021

For high levels of TrOC removal by GAC, reducing DOC0 concentration is more important than the specific DOM removal pretreatment process.
The roles of IGF2 and DNMT methylation and elongase6 related fatty acids in metabolic syndrome
Authors: Li Xiang , Lyu Chen , Luo ZhongCheng , Zhao Jing , Wang Zhongli , Yang Chun , Dai Qi , Li Hui , Zhou Yunhua , Li Zi , Chen Fuxue , Gao Ying
Published: August 2021

Methylation levels in IGF2 and DNMT3a genes may affect the risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in an ELOVL6 activity dependent way.
Highly efficient non-noble metallic NiCu nanoalloy catalysts for hydrogenation of nitroarenes
Authors: Sheng Yao , Lin Xinrui , Yue Shengnan , Liu Yang , Zou Xiujing , Wang Xueguang , Lu Xionggang
Published: August 2021

Carbon-doped silica-supported NiCu quantitatively catalyzes nitroarenes to aromatic amines with ultra-high TOFs and was recyclable due to the excellent anti-oxidation ability.
Coordination-driven supramolecular syntheses of new homo- and hetero-polymetallic Cu(i) assemblies: solid-state and solution characterization
Authors: Khalil Ali Moustafa , Xu Chendong , Delmas Vincent , Calvez Guillaume , Costuas Karine , Haouas Mohamed , Lescop Christophe
Published: August 2021

New luminescent Cu(i) discrete assemblies D and FM and 1D coordination polymer E are reported. Deep insights of self-assembly processes based on flexible Cu(i) precursors are highlighted together with the preservation in solution of Cu(i) assemblies.
A coumarin-based biosensor for human hepatocellular carcinoma diagnosis with enhanced brightness and water solubility
Authors: Ma Junyan , Xu Yaoyu , Kong Xiangtao , Wei Yuying , Meng Dan , Zhang Zhenxing
Published: August 2021

A fluorescence probe is designed to serve as a novel tool for the clinical diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma with 4-piperidinopiperidine as a donor that shows improved brightness and water solubility.
A study of plant growth regulators detection based on terahertz time-domain spectroscopy and density functional theory
Authors: Du Xiaoxue , Wang Yafei , Zhang Xiaodong , Ma Guoxin , Liu Yong , Wang Bin , Mao Hanping
Published: August 2021

Terahertz technology is receiving increasing attention for its use as an efficient non-destructive, non-contact and label-free optical method for qualitative and quantitative detection.
Multi‐objective optimisation of the HSPMM rotor based on the multi‐physics surrogate model
Authors: Dai Rui , Zhang Yue , Wang Tianyu , Zhang Fengge , Gerada Chris , Zhang Yuan
Published: August 2021

High‐speed permanent magnetic machine (HSPMM) is attracting more attention due to its high power density, compact size, small rotating inertia, and rapid response capability. However, the design of the HSPMM rotor is a non‐linear, multi‐physics coupled process that makes it difficult to build an accurate mathematical model for optimisation. This study proposes a multi‐objective optimisation method based on the multi‐physics surrogate model (MPSM). This method uses an MPSM to replace the finite element model (FEM) for optimisation, which can effectively solve the problem of non‐convergence and time consumption of the traditional FEM in the optimisation process. Finally, a 1.1 MW, 18,000 r/min HSPMM is produced and related experiments are carried out; the feasibility of the method proposed in this study for HSPMM optimisation is verified.
Analysis and detection of turn‐to‐turn short circuit fault in a permanent magnet Vernier generator based on modified winding function
Authors: Arianborna MohammadHossein , Faiz Jawad , Ghods Mehrage , Bazrafshan MohammadAmin
Published: August 2021

Operation of Vernier machines is based on flux modulation. They have some advantages including maintaining the rated torque in motor applications and the rated output power in generator applications at low speeds, high torque density and relatively low torque ripple due to their magnetic gear property and fault‐tolerance. In recent years, the motor with various topologies has been developed for different applications. Therefore, analysing and monitoring different faults is essential in the design and implementation stages. This study has two main purposes. First, to introduce an accurate frequency index independent of load variations for detecting the turn‐to‐turn short circuit (TTSC) faults in the stator windings of a permanent magnet Vernier machine. Second, modelling the machine in a healthy condition and in the presence of TTSC faults to investigate its effect on machine performance and output characteristics. An analytical model is presented using the modified winding function theory under the TTSC fault by taking into account the effect of stator slots which enhances the accuracy of the air‐gap permeance function estimation. In the process of calculating the fault index, frequency components of the output characteristics of the machine are obtained from the mathematical equations of the magnetic field. It is shown that the proposed indicators are robust against load variations.
A mathematical assessment of the efficiency of quarantining and contact tracing in curbing the COVID-19 epidemic
Authors: Lambert Amaury
Published: August 2021

In our model of the COVID-19 epidemic, infected individuals can be of four types, according whether they are asymptomatic (A) or symptomatic (I), and use a contact tracing mobile phone application (Y ) or not (N). We denote by R0 the average number of secondary infections from a random infected individual. We investigate the effect of non-digital interventions (voluntary isolation upon symptom onset, quarantining private contacts) and of digital interventions (contact tracing thanks to the app), depending on the willingness to quarantine, parameterized by four cooperating probabilities. For a given ‘effective’ R0 obtained with non-digital interventions, we use non-negative matrix theory and stopping line techniques to characterize mathematically the minimal fraction y0 of app users needed to curb the epidemic, i.e., for the epidemic to die out with probability 1. We show that under a wide range of scenarios, the threshold y0 as a function of R0 rises steeply from 0 at R0 = 1 to prohibitively large values (of the order of 60−70% up) whenever R0 is above 1.3. Our results show that moderate rates of adoption of a contact tracing app can reduce R0 but are by no means sufficient to reduce it below 1 unless it is already very close to 1 thanks to non-digital interventions.
Der selbständige freiberufliche Vertragsarzt in der BAG
Authors: Meschke Andreas
Published: August 2021

Nach Erläuterung der wesentlichen Begriffe der Berufsausübungsgemeinschaft (BAG) sowie der selbständigen und freiberuflichen Tätigkeit des Vertragsarztes werden die Leitentscheidungen des Bundessozialgerichts (BSG) und des Bundesfinanzhofs (BFH) zur Vertragsgestaltung innerhalb der BAG dargestellt: Ein Vertragsarzt übt keine „freie Praxis“ aus, wenn er weder das wirtschaftliche Risiko (mit)trägt noch am Praxiswert beteiligt ist; daraus folgt, dass der Gesellschafter einer BAG von Anfang an sowohl am Gewinn als auch am Verlust beteiligt sein muss (BSG). Eine Mitunternehmerstellung bei eingeschränktem Mitunternehmerrisiko liegt nur vor, wenn eine ausgeprägte Mitunternehmerinitiative vorliegt (BFH). Die Einhaltung der BSG-Vorgaben bewirkt, dass die steuerrechtlich notwendige Mitunternehmerschaft ebenfalls besteht. Die auf der Leistungserbringung der Gesellschafter beruhende Vertragsgestaltung sollte Standardklauseln (z. B. zur selbständigen und eigenverantwortlichen, weisungsfreien ärztlichen Tätigkeit) sowie passende Regelungen zum Gewinn und Verlust sowie zur immateriellen Vermögensbeteiligung berücksichtigen.
Digitalisierung in der Krankenversicherung – Fluch oder Segen?
Authors: Bossenmayer Jörg
Published: August 2021

Seit dem 01.01.2015 gilt allein die elektronische Gesundheitskarte (eGK) als Berechtigungsnachweis, um Leistungen der gesetzlichen Krankenversicherung in Anspruch nehmen zu können. Gesetzlich Versicherte haben nun seit dem 01.01.2021 außerdem das Recht auf Nutzung einer elektronischen Patientenakte (ePA). Welche Risiken und Anforderungen kommen damit auf Psychotherapeut*innen zu?
Elektrokrampftherapie oder Psychotherapie? Sowohl als auch!
Authors: Wilms Bettina
Published: August 2021

Oft scheinen biologische und psychosoziale Behandlungsmethoden einander als völlig voneinander getrennte Pole gegenüberzustehen. Dabei lässt das Konstrukt des bio-psycho-sozialen Krankheitsmodells depressiver Störungen sehr viel integrativere Konzepte zu. Man könnte postulieren, die psychiatrisch-psychotherapeutische Versorgung fordert sie sogar – von der S3 Leitlinie Unipolare Depression ganz zu schweigen …
Wenn die Depression chronisch verläuft
Authors: Brenner Lorena , Chrysanthou Sophia , Köllner Volker
Published: August 2021

Der Begriff „depressive Episode“ suggeriert, dass eine Depression von selbst oder zumindest durch wirkungsvolle Therapie in absehbarer Zeit wieder vorbei geht. In der Mehrzahl der Fälle ist das auch so. Bei mehr als einem Fünftel besteht jedoch die Gefahr eines chronischen, therapieresistenten Verlaufs. In Deutschland betrifft dies mehr als eine Million Menschen. Hier ist die Rehabilitation ein wesentliches Element des Behandlungsplans.
In vitro Comparison of Adipogenic Differentiation in Human Adipose-Derived Stem Cells Cultured with Collagen Gel and Platelet-Rich Fibrin
Authors: Priyadarshini Pallavi , Samuel Soumi , Kurkalli Basan Gowda , Kumar Chethan , Kumar Basavarajappa Mohana , Shetty Nikhil , Shetty Veena , Vishwanath Karthik
Published: August 2021

Background: Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) are the most preferred cell type, based on their phenotypic characteristics, plasticity, and favorable immunological properties for applications in soft-tissue augmentation. Hence, the present in vitro study was aimed to evaluate the adipogenic differentiation potential of human ADSCs upon culturing individually with collagen gel and platelet-rich fibrin (PRF).

Materials and methods: The collected lipoaspirate was used for establishing ADSCs using enzymatic digestion method. Then, the cells were analyzed for their morphology, viability, proliferation rate, population doubling time (PDT), colony-forming ability, cell surface markers expression, and osteogenic differentiation as biological properties. Further, ADSCs were evaluated for their adipogenicity using induction media alone, and by culturing with collagen gel and PRF individually for prospective tissue augmentation.

Results: ADSCs were successfully established in vitro and exhibited a fibroblast-like morphology throughout the culture period. Cells had higher viability, proliferation potential and showed their ability to form colonies. The positive expression of cell surface markers and osteogenic ability confirmed the potency of ADSCs. The ADSCs cultured on collagen gel and PRF, individually, showed higher number of differentiated adipocytes than ADSCs grown with adipogenic induction medium alone.

Conclusion: The extent of lipid accumulation by ADSCs was slightly higher when cultured on collagen gel than on PRF. Additional experiments are required to confirm better suitability of scaffold materials for soft-tissue regeneration.
Ontology Engineering for Gastric Dystemperament in Persian Medicine
Authors: Shojaee-Mend Hassan , Ayatollahi Haleh , Abdolahadi Azam
Published: August 2021

Objective Developing an ontology can help collecting and sharing information in traditional medicine including Persian medicine in a well-defined format. The present study aimed to develop an ontology for gastric dystemperament in the Persian medicine.

Methods This was a mixed-methods study conducted in 2019. The first stage was related to providing an ontology requirements specification document. In the second stage, important terms, concepts, and their relationships were identified via literature review and expert panels. Then, the results derived from the second stage were refined and validated using the Delphi method in three rounds. Finally, in the fourth stage, the ontology was evaluated in terms of consistency and coherence.

Results In this study, 241 concepts related to different types of gastric dystemperament, diagnostic criteria, and treatments in the Persian medicine were identified through literature review and expert panels, and 12 new concepts were suggested during the Delphi study. In total, after performing three rounds of the Delphi study, 233 concepts were identified. Finally, an ontology was developed with 71 classes, and the results of the evaluation study revealed that the ontology was consistent and coherent.

Conclusion In this study, an ontology was created for gastric dystemperament in the Persian medicine. This ontology can be used for designing future systems, such as case-based reasoning and expert systems. Moreover, the use of other evaluation methods is suggested to construct a more complete and precise ontology.
Bubble removal by electric and acoustic actuation for heat transfer enhancement
Authors: Hyun Youngbin , Lee Kang Yong , Jang Deasung , Chung Sang Kug
Published: August 2021

This paper presents a technology for the removal of bubbles using the two mechanisms of electric and acoustic actuation. In this study, dielectrowetting was used to separate bubbles from the surface of a substrate, while acoustic actuation was used to transfer and eliminate separated bubbles by acoustically exciting them. In addition, the electrical signals of various voltages and frequencies were applied to patterned electrodes fabricated through the standard microfabrication processes in order to investigate the dynamic behaviors of the dielectrowetting driven bubbles, such as the contact angles of the bubbles and their separated distances from the surface. Furthermore, a high-speed camera was used to measure the velocities of single bubbles separated from the surface through acoustic excitation at various frequencies in order to identify the velocity and efficiency at which bubbles were transported and removed by acoustic excitation. To test the feasibility of removing multiple bubbles of various volumes, an experiment was carried out in which the proposed dielectrowetting and acoustic actuation were used to separate bubbles of different volumes from the surface simultaneously and then remove them. The experiment revealed that multiple bubbles of various volumes could be removed all at once in a second. The proposed method of removing bubbles can be used in a variety of industrial applications that require the transfer of large quantities of heat.
Targeted individuals
Authors: Buts Jan
Published: August 2021

This article argues that researchers in Translation Studies may proactively aim to understand the consequences of
an envisaged merger between targeted advertising and automated translation. Functional translation software is widely available
online, and several platforms now perform instant translation, sometimes without asking the user whether this is required. Indeed,
the user’s main language is known to various applications, which keep track of this information along with other settings and
preferences. Data tracking is commonly used to produce targeted advertising: people receive commercial information about products
they are likely to be interested in. If text can instantly be altered according to a user’s linguistic preferences, it can also be
altered according to aesthetic, commercial, or political preferences. The article discusses theoretical and ideological aspects of
the sociotechnical evolution towards the production and consumption of personalised content, highlighting the role translation may
come to play.
A simple analytical model of laser direct-drive thin shell target implosion
Authors: Yu Bo , Huang Tianxuan , Yao Li , Sun Chuankui , Shang Wanli , Wang Peng , Peng Xiaoshi , Tang Qi , Song Zifeng , Jiang Wei , Chen Zhongjing , Pu Yudong , Yan Ji , Dong Yunsong , Yang Jiamin , Ding Yongkun , Zheng Jian
Published: August 2021

A high-neutron yield platform imploded by a thin shell target is generally built to probe nuclear science problems, and it has the advantages of high neutron yield, ultrashort fusion time, micro fusion zone, isotropic and monoenergetic neutron. Some analytical models have been proposed to interpret exploding-pusher target implosion driven by a long wavelength laser, whereas they are imperfect for a 0.35 μm laser implosion experiment. When using the 0.35 μm laser, the shell is ablated and accelerated to high implosion velocity governed by Newton’s law, ablation acceleration and quasi-adiabatic compression models are suitable to explain the implosion of a laser direct-drive thin shell target. The new analytical model scales bang time, ion temperature and neutron yield for large variations in laser power, target radius, shell thickness, and fuel pressure. The predicted results of the analytical model are in agreement with experimental data on the Shenguang-III prototype laser facility, 100 kJ laser facility, Omega, and NIF, it demonstrates that the analytical model benefits the understanding of experiment performance and optimizing the target design of high neutron yield implosion.
Memory-augmented adaptive flocking control for multi-agent systems subject to uncertain external disturbances
Authors: Wang Ximing , Sun Jinsheng , Li Zhitao , Wu Zixing
Published: August 2021

This paper presents a novel flocking algorithm based on a memory-enhanced disturbance observer. To compensate for external disturbances, a filtered regressor for the double integrator model subject to external disturbances is designed to extract the disturbance information. With the filtered regressor method, the algorithm has the advantage of eliminating the need for acceleration information, thus reducing the sensor requirements in applications. Using the information obtained from the filtered regressor, a batch of stored data is used to design an adaptive disturbance observer, ensuring that the estimated values of the parameters of the disturbance system equation and the initial value converge to their actual values. The result is that the flocking algorithm can compensate for external disturbances and drive agents to achieve the desired collective behavior, including virtual leader tracking, inter-distance keeping, and collision avoidance. Numerical simulations verify the effectiveness of the algorithm proposed in the present study.
Distortion mapping correction in the AIMS primary mirror testing by a computer-generated hologram
Authors: E Ke-Wei , Zhao Jian-Ke , Wang Bo , Wang Dong-Guang , Shen Yu-Liang , Fu Xin , Xu Song-Bo , Li Jing , Xue Xun , Chang Ming , Zhou Yan
Published: August 2021

The National Solar Observatory is currently developing the Accurate Infrared Magnetic Field Measurements of the Sun (AIMS). The primary mirror of the AIMS solar telescope is an off-axis parabolic with a diameter of 1 m and with a large off-axis amount of 1 m. Due to the surface figure of the primary mirror under the used state is directly related to image quality of the whole system, a computer-generated hologram (CGH) is carried out to test the primary mirror, and the test results are used to polish the mirror to a higher surface accuracy. However, the fact that the distortion exists in the testing results leads to the failure of a further guide to deterministic optical processing. In this paper, a distortion correction method is proposed, which uses an orthogonal set of vector polynomials to mapping the coordinates of the mirror and the pixels of fringes, and then an interpolation method is adopted to obtain the corrected results. The testing accuracy by using CGH is also verified by an auto-collimate test experiment. According to the distorted corrected results, the root-mean-square of the surface figure is about 1/50λ (λ = 632.8 nm) after polishing.
Stress Detection using Machine Learning and Deep Learning
Authors: Zainudin Z. , Hasan S. , Shamsuddin S.M. , Argawal S.
Published: August 2021

Stress is a normal phenomenon in today's world, and it causes people to respond to a variety of factors, resulting in physiological and behavioural changes. If we keep stress in our minds for too long, it will have an effect on our bodies. Many health conditions associated with stress can be avoided if stress is detected sooner. When a person is stressed, a pattern can be detected using various bio-signals such as thermal, electrical, impedance, acoustic, optical, and so on, and stress levels can be identified using these bio-signals. This paper uses a dataset that was obtained using an Internet of Things (IOT) sensor, which led to the collection of information about a real-life situation involving a person's mental health. To obtain a pattern for stress detection, data from sensors such as the Galvanic Skin Response Sensor (GSR) and the Electrocardiogram (ECG) were collected. The dataset will then be categorised using Multilayer Perceptron (MLP), Decision Tree (DT), K-Nearest Neighbour (KNN), Support Vector Machine (SVM), and Deep Learning algorithms (DL). Accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-Score are used to assess the data's performance. Finally, Decision Tree (DT) had the best performance where DT have accuracy 95%, precision 96%, recall 96% and F1-score 96% among all machine learning classifiers.
Real-Time Scheme for Covert Communication Based VoIP
Authors: Shahadi Haider Ismael , Kod Muayad S. , Qasem Baneen , Farhan Hameed R.
Published: August 2021

Covert communication is an important necessity for governments and companies due to the ease of eavesdropping and access to information. A private channel with robust encryption can provide the required protection for the communications. However, a public channel is cheaper and less restrictive (from any place and any communication devices) than private channels. This paper proposes a real-time covert communication scheme by creating a secret speech channel in a public speech channel based on audio steganography. The scheme compresses the secret speech using a very fast and simple process based on lifting wavelet transform. Also, the cover speech is compressed by G.711 encoder at synchronous time periods with respect to the secret speech to meet the networks of voice over internet protocol (VoIP). Subsequently, the secret data hides in a compressed cover speech data in real-time. The embedding procedure employs the only high strength data for embedding to maintain the quality of the cover data after embedding at greater than 40 dB in terms of signal to noise ratio (SNR). The secret data is retrieved 100% without error in case of a lossless channel.
Classification of Heart Disease using Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Tick Voon Khai , Meeng Ng Yung , Mohammad Nur Farahiyah , Harun Nor Hazlyna , Alquran Hiam , Mohsin Mohamad Farhan Mohamad
Published: August 2021

Heart disease refers to any unavoidable condition that affects a person's heart. With so much electronic health data available nowadays, computer machines have entered the area to aid in diagnosis using machine learning (ML) methodologies. This study focuses on classification of heart disease that includes or does not include heart attacks and employs an artificial neural network (ANN) namely Multi-layered Perceptron (MLP) trained by Back-propagation (BP) to classify the data. By going through layers of functions, ANN can identify the trends of the data then form a model. This study uses sigmoid activation functions and runs in 1000 numbers of epochs. Different values of learning rate and neuron numbers were tested and yielded with the best result. The findings recorded high accuracy of 80.66% with 0.25 learning rate and 25 neurons. It is learned that ANN can be used for classifying heart disease cases.
Analysis of Satellite Images Utilisation for Oil Palm Plantation Monitoring
Authors: Hong Hoe Jia , Shukor S.A.A.
Published: August 2021

Commodity trees need to be managed well to ensure good produce. Most plantations are using the traditional way for monitoring which is time and energy consuming, further, highly in cost. Oil palm is one of the most common agriculture crops planted in South East Asia especially in Malaysia and Indonesia. The tree is mainly grown for the use of vegetable oil production and other products such as plastics, detergent and biodiesel. Thus, proper plantation monitoring is important to ensure the productivity and quality of the palm oil product. This study aims to investigate all types of satellite remote sensing imagery that have been applied in oil palm plantation. Satellite imagery is preferred as users able to obtain detailed, high-resolution information with wide coverage area. Discussions on the suitability of various sources in satellite imagery like panchromatic, multispectral and hyperspectral images are highlighted. It is suggested that these images can be further utilised for more potential and detail oil palm plantation application as well as other agricultural areas to achieve efficient monitoring.