bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of support type effect on plastic hinges in RC beam under impact load
Authors: Yilmaz M. Cem , Mercimek Ömer , Ghoroubi Rahim , Anil Özgür , Gültop Tekin
Published: April 2021

This study investigates the effect of support types on plastic hinges in reinforced concrete (RC) beam under the influence of impact loading. In previous studies, the assumption of the linear distribution of inertia force under impact loading was examined and verified according to experimental, analytical, and numerical results. Furthermore, it was emphasized that the most important parameters affecting the behavior of RC beams under impact loading were plastic hinges. A three‐stage study was planned to investigate this subject. The first stage was an experimental study. In this part, four RC beams with simple and fixed supports were tested under the low‐velocity impact load with two different impact energy levels by using a free‐weight test setup with advanced measurement techniques. The time histories of the accelerations, the displacements, and the impact loads acting on RC beams were recorded, and the cracks from impact loading were observed. The dynamic responses obtained from experiments have been interpreted in detail. The most important issue about plastic hinges was that the hinges do not reach the supports and remain on the beam. This is valid for both hinge support and fixed support. In the second stage of the study, an explicit numerical analysis model, which was verified with experimental results, was developed. The clear agreement between the experimental and numerical results was demonstrated. It has been concluded that proposed finite element procedures can be used for evaluation of the dynamic responses and failure modes of RC beams under low‐velocity impact loading. The last part was an analytical study. In this part, the proposed analytical procedure in the previous studies considering the plastic joint formed in a simple support beam under impact loading was confirmed, and a new coefficient for fixed support was proposed. A good agreement has been achieved between analytical and experimental work.
Spatial Resolution between Two Abnormalities in a Cable by Frequency Domain Reflectometry
Authors: Ohki Yoshimichi , Hirai Naoshi
Published: April 2021

The spatial resolution of a cable fault location method by frequency domain reflectometry was examined experimentally by giving two abnormalities intentionally along a 31.5‐m coaxial cable. As a result, two clear signal peaks appear, which can locate the presence of two hot spots perfectly if they are separated by more than 30 cm at a position about 15 m from the cable end with a measuring device. In addition, a clear signal peak with a small shoulder is recognized if the two hot spots are 1 cm away. Although the abnormalities were given in this research by heating the cable using tape heaters, the spatial resolution should be theoretically similar for any type of fault in a cable as long as it changes the characteristic impedance of the cable. © 2021 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
What’s Happening to Shared Picture Book Reading in an Era of Phonics First?
Authors: Campbell Stacey
Published: April 2021

Learning about being a reader is more than teaching phonics. A pilot study of shared picture book reading in early childhood education as a means to support young children in developing a broader understanding of literacy, in addition to phonics and phonological awareness, is discussed. The Early Language and Literacy Classroom Observation (ELLCO) (Pre‐K) tool was administered in six early childhood contexts, revealing a range of strengths and weaknesses in classrooms observed. There was little evidence of picture book reading playing an integral part of the early childhood literacy programs. Shared reading activities were absent in some contexts. In others, books were selected on the basis of length or a phonics focus. In an era of phonics first, this article is a timely reminder that shared reading of quality children’s literature can support development of a range of reading strategies including phonics while developing a joy for reading.
“What’s the Main Idea?”: Using Text Structure to Build Comprehension
Authors: Hudson Alida K. , Owens Julie , Moore Karol A. , Lambright Kacee , Wijekumar Kausalai (Kay)
Published: April 2021

This teaching tip aims to build awareness of using a text’s structure as a framework for building students’ reading comprehension. The authors detail the Framework for Accelerating the Strategic Comprehension of Text (FASCT) to support elementary students reading comprehension abilities by explicitly teaching students to use the structure of a text to support the development of a main idea statement after every text read. FASCT then teaches students to expand this main idea statement into a summary by adding key supporting details. Furthermore, this teaching tip outlines how teachers can implement FASCT instruction using any genre of text. Although comprehension instruction, such as FASCT, is only one part of the overall literacy block, it may be essential for building a solid foundation from which students’ complex comprehension skills can grow.
SU(5) GUTs with A4 modular symmetry
Authors: Chen Peng , Ding Gui-Jun , King Stephen F.
Published: April 2021

Abstract

We combine SU(5) Grand Unified Theories (GUTs) with A4 modular symmetry and present a comprehensive analysis of the resulting quark and lepton mass matrices for all the simplest cases. Classifying the models according to the representation assignments of the matter fields under A4, we find that there are seven types of SU(5) models with A4 modular symmetry. We present 53 benchmark models with the fewest free parameters. The parameter space of each model is scanned to optimize the agreement between predictions and experimental data, and predictions for the masses and mixing parameters of quarks and leptons are given at the best fitting points. The best fit predictions for the leptonic CP violating Dirac phase, the lightest neutrino mass and the neutrinoless double beta decay parameter when displayed graphically are observed to cover a wide range of possible values, but are clustered around particular regions, allowing future neutrino experiments to discriminate between the different types of models.
The Bactrian effect: multiple resonances and light Dirac dark matter
Authors: Rizzo Thomas G.
Published: April 2021

Abstract

The possibility of light dark matter (DM) annihilating through a dark photon (DP) which kinetically mixes (KM) with the Standard Model (SM) hypercharge field is a very attractive scenario. For DM in the interesting mass range below ∼ 1 GeV, it is well known that bounds from the CMB provide a very strong model building constraint forcing the DM annihilation cross section to be roughly 3 orders of magnitude below that needed to reproduce the observed relic density. Under most circumstances this removes the possibility of an s-wave annihilation process for DM in this mass range as would be the case, e.g., if the DM were a Dirac fermion. In an extra-dimensional setup explored previously, it was found that the s-channel exchange of multiple gauge bosons could simultaneously encompass a suppressed annihilation cross section during the CMB era while also producing a sufficiently large annihilation rate during freeze-out to recover the DM relic density. In this paper, we analyze more globally the necessary requirements for this mechanism to work successfully and then realize them within the context of a simple model with two ‘dark’ gauge bosons having masses of a similar magnitude and whose contributions to the annihilation amplitude destructively interfere. We show that if the DM mass threshold lies appropriately in the saddle region of this destructive interference between the two resonance humps it then becomes possible to satisfy these requirements simultaneously provided several ancillary conditions are met. The multiple constraints on the parameter space of this setup are then explored in detail to identify the phenomenologically successful regions.
Crossing bridges with strong Szegő limit theorem
Authors: Belitsky A. V. , Korchemsky G. P.
Published: April 2021

Abstract

We develop a new technique for computing a class of four-point correlation functions of heavy half-BPS operators in planar $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 SYM theory which admit factorization into a product of two octagon form factors with an arbitrary bridge length. We show that the octagon can be expressed as the Fredholm determinant of the integrable Bessel operator and demonstrate that this representation is very efficient in finding the octagons both at weak and strong coupling. At weak coupling, in the limit when the four half-BPS operators become null separated in a sequential manner, the octagon obeys the Toda lattice equations and can be found in a closed form. At strong coupling, we exploit the strong Szegő limit theorem to derive the leading asymptotic behavior of the octagon and, then, apply the method of differential equations to determine the remaining subleading terms of the strong coupling expansion to any order in the inverse coupling. To achieve this goal, we generalize results available in the literature for the asymptotic behavior of the determinant of the Bessel operator. As a byproduct of our analysis, we formulate a Szegő-Akhiezer-Kac formula for the determinant of the Bessel operator with a Fisher-Hartwig singularity and develop a systematic approach to account for subleading power suppressed contributions.
SYK wormhole formation in real time
Authors: Maldacena Juan , Milekhin Alexey
Published: April 2021

Abstract

We study the real time formation of the ground state of two coupled SYK models. This is a highly entangled state which is close to the thermofield double state and can be viewed as a wormhole. We start from a high temperature state, we let it cool by coupling to a cold bath. We numerically solve for the largeNdynamics. Our main result is that the system forms a wormhole by going through a region with negative specific heat, taking time that is independent ofN. The dynamics is smooth everywhere and it seems to follow the equilibrium thermodynamic configurations of the microcanonical ensemble. Also we comment on the relation between this coupled SYK model and Jackiw-Teitelboim gravity theory with bulk fields.
Notes on two-dimensional pure supersymmetric gauge theories
Authors: Gu Wei , Sharpe Eric , Zou Hao
Published: April 2021

Abstract

In this note we study IR limits of pure two-dimensional supersymmetric gauge theories with semisimple non-simply-connected gauge groups including SU(k)/ℤk, SO(2k)/ℤ2, Sp(2k)/ℤ2, E6/ℤ3, and E7/ℤ2 for various discrete theta angles, both directly in the gauge theory and also in nonabelian mirrors, extending a classification begun in previous work. We find in each case that there are supersymmetric vacua for precisely one value of the discrete theta angle, and no supersymmetric vacua for other values, hence supersymmetry is broken in the IR for most discrete theta angles. Furthermore, for the one distinguished value of the discrete theta angle for which supersymmetry is unbroken, the theory has as many twisted chiral multiplet degrees of freedom in the IR as the rank. We take this opportunity to further develop the technology of nonabelian mirrors to discuss how the mirror to a G gauge theory differs from the mirror to a G/K gauge theory for K a subgroup of the center of G. In particular, the discrete theta angles in these cases are considerably more intricate than those of the pure gauge theories studied in previous papers, so we discuss the realization of these more complex discrete theta angles in the mirror construction. We find that discrete theta angles, both in the original gauge theory and their mirrors, are intimately related to the description of centers of universal covering groups as quotients of weight lattices by root sublattices. We perform numerous consistency checks, comparing results against basic group-theoretic relations as well as with decomposition, which describes how two-dimensional theories with one-form symmetries (such as pure gauge theories with nontrivial centers) decompose into disjoint unions, in this case of pure gauge theories with quotiented gauge groups and discrete theta angles.
Wissen für gesunde Lebenswelten: Eine Datenbank zum Praxistransfer von Erkenntnissen aus systematischen Übersichtsarbeiten
Authors: Alayli Adrienne F. G , Witte Christine , Haß Wolfgang , Zeeb Hajo , Heise Thomas L. , Hupfeld Jens
Published: April 2021

Die Datenbank „Wissen für gesunde Lebenswelten“ wurde durch das GKV-Bündnis für Gesundheit, eine gemeinsame Initiative der gesetzlichen Krankenversicherung (GKV) zur Weiterentwicklung und Umsetzung von Gesundheitsförderung und Prävention in Lebenswelten, entwickelt. Sie soll Krankenkassen und weitere Fachkräfte und Beteiligte in der Praxis bei der Planung und Umsetzung evidenzbasierter Maßnahmen der Gesundheitsförderung und Prävention in Lebenswelten unterstützen. In Ergänzung zu bestehenden Interventionsdatenbanken stellt sie Erkenntnisse aus systematischen Übersichtsarbeiten zur Verfügung. Ziel dieses Beitrags ist es, die Datenbank vorzustellen, Nutzungsmöglichkeiten zu beschreiben sowie Weiterentwicklungsmöglichkeiten zu diskutieren.

Die Datenbank beinhaltet Erkenntnisse zu Wirksamkeit und Umsetzungsstrategien lebensweltbezogener Maßnahmen der Gesundheitsförderung und Prävention. Sie enthält strukturierte Zusammenfassungen von 3 Arten Übersichtsarbeiten: systematische Reviews, Scoping-Reviews und Rapid-Reviews. Die Datenbankeinträge (aktuell n = 13) können mit verschiedenen Suchfunktionen (u. a. Freitextsuche, Schlagwortsuche und Suchfilter) recherchiert werden. Die Erstellung der Datenbankeinträge erfolgt qualitätsgesichert mittels eines standardisierten Formulars und im Vieraugenprinzip. Zentrale Informationen sind kurz dargestellt und Fachbegriffe erläutert, um einen niedrigschwelligen Zugang zu ermöglichen. Expertinnen und Experten der gesetzlichen Krankenkassen werden fortlaufend in den Entwicklungsprozess der Datenbank eingebunden.

Im Rahmen der Weiterentwicklung ist geplant, die Datenbank um Erkenntnisse aus neuen Übersichtsarbeiten des GKV-Bündnisses für Gesundheit sowie aus weiteren Quellen zu ergänzen. Zudem werden zukünftig Qualitätsbewertungen der eingeschlossenen Übersichtsarbeiten dargestellt und begleitende Maßnahmen zur Förderung des Wissenschafts-Praxis-Transfers entwickelt.
Michael Polányi’s fiduciary program against fake news and deepfake in the digital age
Authors: Ziegler Zsolt
Published: April 2021

This paper argues that Michael Polányi’s account of how science, as an institution, establishes knowledge can provide a structure for a future institution capable of countering misinformation, or fake news, and deepfakes. I argue that only an institutional approach can adequately take up the challenge against the corresponding institution of fake news. The fact of filtering news and information may be bothering. It is the threat of censorship and free speech limitation. Instead, I propose that we should indicate reliable information with a trademark and news signing-approved information and brand equity. I offer a method of creating a standard for online news that people can rely on (similar to high-quality shopping products).
Measurement of δ18O and δ2H of water and ethanol in wine by Off-Axis Integrated Cavity Output Spectroscopy and Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Wang Xing , Jansen Henk G. , Duin Haico , Meijer Harro A. J.
Published: April 2021

There are two officially approved methods for stable isotope analysis for wine authentication. One describes δ18O measurements of the wine water using Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (IRMS), and the other one uses Deuterium-Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (2H-NMR) to measure the deuterium of the wine ethanol. Recently, off-axis integrated cavity output (laser) spectroscopy (OA-ICOS) has become an easier alternative to quantify wine water isotopes, thanks to the spectral contaminant identifier (SCI). We utilized an OA-ICOS analyser with SCI to measure the δ18O and δ2H of water in 27 wine samples without any pre-treatment. The OA-ICOS results reveal a wealth of information about the growth conditions of the wines, which shows the advantages to extend the official δ18O wine water method by δ2H that is obtained easily from OA-ICOS. We also performed high-temperature pyrolysis and chromium reduction combined with IRMS measurements to illustrate the “whole wine” isotope ratios. The δ18O results of OA-ICOS and IRMS show non-significant differences, but the δ2H results of both methods differ much more. As the δ2H difference between these two methods is mainly caused by ethanol, we investigated the possibility to deduce deuterium of wine ethanol from this difference. The results present large uncertainties and deviate from the obtained 2H-NMR results. The deviation is caused by the other constituents in the wine, and the uncertainty is due to the limited precision of the SCI-based correction, which need to improve to obtain the 2H values of ethanol as alternative for the 2H-NMR method.
Real-time intraoperative glioma diagnosis using fluorescence imaging and deep convolutional neural networks
Authors: Shen Biluo , Zhang Zhe , Shi Xiaojing , Cao Caiguang , Zhang Zeyu , Hu Zhenhua , Ji Nan , Tian Jie
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Surgery is the predominant treatment modality of human glioma but suffers difficulty on clearly identifying tumor boundaries in clinic. Conventional practice involves neurosurgeon’s visual evaluation and intraoperative histological examination of dissected tissues using frozen section, which is time-consuming and complex. The aim of this study was to develop fluorescent imaging coupled with artificial intelligence technique to quickly and accurately determine glioma in real-time during surgery.

Methods

Glioma patients (N = 23) were enrolled and injected with indocyanine green for fluorescence image–guided surgery. Tissue samples (N = 1874) were harvested from surgery of these patients, and the second near-infrared window (NIR-II, 1000–1700 nm) fluorescence images were obtained. Deep convolutional neural networks (CNNs) combined with NIR-II fluorescence imaging (named as FL-CNN) were explored to automatically provide pathological diagnosis of glioma in situ in real-time during patient surgery. The pathological examination results were used as the gold standard.

Results

The developed FL-CNN achieved the area under the curve (AUC) of 0.945. Comparing to neurosurgeons’ judgment, with the same level of specificity >80%, FL-CNN achieved a much higher sensitivity (93.8% versus 82.0%, P < 0.001) with zero time overhead. Further experiments demonstrated that FL-CNN corrected >70% of the errors made by neurosurgeons. FL-CNN was also able to rapidly predict grade and Ki-67 level (AUC 0.810 and 0.625) of tumor specimens intraoperatively.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates that deep CNNs are better at capturing important information from fluorescence images than surgeons’ evaluation during patient surgery. FL-CNN is highly promising to provide pathological diagnosis intraoperatively and assist neurosurgeons to obtain maximum resection safely.

Trial registration

ChiCTR ChiCTR2000029402. Registered 29 January 2020, retrospectively registered
Modelling of size-dependent thermodynamic properties of metallic nanocrystals based on modified Gibbs–Thomson equation
Authors: Ansari Manauwar Ali
Published: April 2021

In this paper, a new theoretical two-phase (solid–liquid) type model of melting temperature has developed based on the modified Gibbs–Thomson equation. Further, it is extended to derive other different size-dependent thermodynamic properties such as cohesive energy, Debye temperature, specific heat capacity, the thermal and electrical conductivity of metallic nanoparticles. Quantitative calculation of the effect of size on thermodynamic properties resulted in, varying linearly with the inverse of characteristic length of nanomaterials. The models are applied to Al, Pb, Ag, Sn, Mo, W, Co, Au and Cu nanoparticles of spherical shape. The melting temperature, Debye temperature, thermal and electrical conductivity are found to decrease with the decrease in particle size, whereas the cohesive energy and specific heat capacity are increased with the decrease in particle size. The present model is also compared with previous models and found consistent. The results obtained with this model validated with experimental and simulation results from several sources that show similar trends between the model and experimental results.

Graphic abstract
Risk assessment for postoperative outcomes in a mixed hospitalized gynecological population by the Dutch safety management system (Veiligheidsmanagementsysteem, VMS) screening tool ‘frail elderly’
Authors: van der Zanden Vera , Paarlberg K. Marieke , van der Zaag-Loonen Hester J. , Meijer Wouter J. , Mourits Marian J. E. , van Munster Barbara C.
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Frailty is associated with a higher risk for negative postoperative outcomes. This study aimed to determine the association between the screening tool of the Dutch safety management system, Veiligheidsmanagementsysteem (VMS) ‘frail elderly’ and postoperative complications in a gynecological population.

Methods

This cohort study included women aged 70 years or older, who were scheduled for any kind of gynecological surgery. VMS screening data (including risk for delirium, falling, malnutrition, and functional impairment) were extracted from the electronic patient records. VMS score could range between 0 and 4 patients with a VMS score of one or more were considered frail. Data on possible confounding factors and complications within 30 days after surgery, classified with the Clavien–Dindo classification, were collected. Regression analysis was performed.

Results

157 women were included with a median age of 74 years (inter quartile range 71–79). Most patients underwent prolapse surgery (52%) or hysterectomy (31%). Forty-one patients (26%) experienced any postoperative complication. Sixty-two patients (39%) were considered frail preoperatively by the VMS screening tool. Frailty measured with the VMS screening tool was not independently associated with postoperative complications in multivariable analysis (Odds ratio 1.18; 95% CI 0.49–2.82). However, a recent fall in the last 6 months (n = 208) was associated with postoperative complications (Odds ratio 3.90; 95% CI 1.57–9.66).

Conclusion

An independent association between frailty, determined by the VMS screening tool ‘Frail elderly’, and postoperative complications in gynecological surgery patients could not be confirmed. A recent fall in the last 6 months seems associated with postoperative complications.
Memory enhancement by multidomain group cognitive training in patients with Parkinson’s disease and mild cognitive impairment: long-term effects of a multicenter randomized controlled trial
Authors: Schmidt Nele , Tödt Inken , Berg Daniela , Schlenstedt Christian , Folkerts Ann-Kristin , Ophey Anja , Dimenshteyn Karina , Elben Saskia , Wojtecki Lars , Liepelt-Scarfone Inga , Schulte Claudia , Sulzer Patricia , Eggers Carsten , Kalbe Elke , Witt Karsten
Published: April 2021

Background

Meta-analyses indicate positive effects of cognitive training (CT) in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD), however, most previous studies had small sample sizes and did not evaluate long-term follow-up. Therefore, a multicenter randomized controlled, single-blinded trial (Train-ParC study) was conducted to examine CT effects in PD patients with mild cognitive impairment (PD-MCI). Immediately after CT, an enhancement of executive functions was demonstrated. Here, we present the long-term results 6 and 12 months after CT.

Methods

At baseline, 64 PD-MCI patients were randomized to a multidomain CT group (n = 33) or to a low-intensity physical activity training control group (PT) (n = 31). Both interventions included 90 min training sessions twice a week for 6 weeks. 54 patients completed the 6 months (CT: n = 28, PT: n = 26) and 49 patients the 12 months follow-up assessment (CT: n = 25, PT: n = 24). Primary study outcomes were memory and executive functioning composite scores. Mixed repeated measures ANOVAs, post-hoc t tests and multiple regression analyses were conducted.

Results

We found a significant time x group interaction effect for the memory composite score (p = 0.006, η2 = 0.214), but not for the executive composite score (p = 0.967, η2 = 0.002). Post-hoc t tests revealed significant verbal and nonverbal memory improvements from pre-intervention to 6 months, but not to 12 months follow-up assessment in the CT group. No significant predictors were found for predicting memory improvement after CT.

Conclusions

This study provides Class 1 evidence that multidomain CT enhances memory functioning in PD-MCI after 6 months but not after 12 months, whereas executive functioning did not change in the long-term.

Clinical trial registration

German Clinical Trials Register (ID: DRKS00010186), 21.3.2016 (The study registration is outlined as retrospective due to an administrative delay. The first patient was enrolled three months after the registration process was started. A formal confirmation of this process from the German Clinical Trials Register can be obtained from the authors.)
Concept for controlled adjustment of residual stress states in semi-finished products by gradation extrusion
Authors: Selbmann René , Baumann Markus , Dobecki Mateus , Bergmann Markus , Kräusel Verena , Reimers Walter
Published: April 2021

The residual stress distribution in extruded components and wires after a conventional forming process is frequently unfavourable for subsequent processes, such as bending operations. High tensile residual stresses typically occur near the surface of the wire and thus limit further processability of the material. Additional heat treatment operations or shot peening are often inserted to influence the residual stress distribution in the material after conventional manufacturing. This is time and energy consuming. The research presented in this paper contains an approach to influence the residual stress distribution by modifying the forming process for wire-like applications. The aim of this process is to lower the resulting tensile stress levels near the surface or even to generate compressive stresses. To achieve these residual compressive stresses, special forming elements are integrated in the dies. These modifications in the forming zone have a significant influence on process properties, such as degree of deformation and deformation direction, but typically have no influence on the diameter of the product geometry. In the present paper, the theoretical approach is described, as well as the model set-up, the FE-simulation and the results of the experimental tests. The characterization of the residual stress states in the specimen was carried out by X-ray diffraction using the sin2Ψ method.
Learning vector quantization as an interpretable classifier for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 types based on their RNA sequences
Authors: Kaden Marika , Bohnsack Katrin Sophie , Weber Mirko , Kudła Mateusz , Gutowska Kaja , Blazewicz Jacek , Villmann Thomas
Published: April 2021

We present an approach to discriminate SARS-CoV-2 virus types based on their RNA sequence descriptions avoiding a sequence alignment. For that purpose, sequences are preprocessed by feature extraction and the resulting feature vectors are analyzed by prototype-based classification to remain interpretable. In particular, we propose to use variants of learning vector quantization (LVQ) based on dissimilarity measures for RNA sequence data. The respective matrix LVQ provides additional knowledge about the classification decisions like discriminant feature correlations and, additionally, can be equipped with easy to realize reject options for uncertain data. Those options provide self-controlled evidence, i.e., the model refuses to make a classification decision if the model evidence for the presented data is not sufficient. This model is first trained using a GISAID dataset with given virus types detected according to the molecular differences in coronavirus populations by phylogenetic tree clustering. In a second step, we apply the trained model to another but unlabeled SARS-CoV-2 virus dataset. For these data, we can either assign a virus type to the sequences or reject atypical samples. Those rejected sequences allow to speculate about new virus types with respect to nucleotide base mutations in the viral sequences. Moreover, this rejection analysis improves model robustness. Last but not least, the presented approach has lower computational complexity compared to methods based on (multiple) sequence alignment.
The structure of the singular set in the thin obstacle problem for degenerate parabolic equations
Authors: Banerjee Agnid , Danielli Donatella , Garofalo Nicola , Petrosyan Arshak
Published: April 2021

We study the singular set in the thin obstacle problem for degenerate parabolic equations with weight$$|y|^a$$|y|afor$$a \in (-1,1)$$a∈(-1,1). Such problem arises as the local extension of the obstacle problem for the fractional heat operator$$(\partial _t - \Delta _x)^s$$(∂t-Δx)sfor$$s \in (0,1)$$s∈(0,1). Our main result establishes the complete structure and regularity of the singular set of the free boundary. To achieve it, we prove Almgren-Poon, Weiss, and Monneau type monotonicity formulas which generalize those for the case of the heat equation ($$a=0$$a=0).
Whole genome sequencing identifies variants associated with sarcoidosis in a family with a high prevalence of sarcoidosis
Authors: Fritz Daan , Ferwerda Bart , Brouwer Matthijs C. , van de Beek Diederik
Published: April 2021

Objective

We studied genetic risk factors associated with sarcoidosis within a family with a high prevalence of this disease.

Methods

We studied 41 members of a family with a high rate of sarcoidosis, including an index patient with treatment-resistant neurosarcoidosis. Whole genome sequencing was performed for six affected family members and variations associated with loss of function were filtered out as candidate genes. Findings were validated by using amplicon sequencing within all 41 family members with DNA available and candidate genes were screened on absence and presence within the sarcoidosis affected and non-affected.

Results

Family members (n = 61) from 5 generations were available for participation including 13 subjects diagnosed with sarcoidosis (20%). Analyses identified 36 candidate variants within 34 candidate genes. Variations within three of these genes (JAK2, BACH2, and NCF1) previously have been associated with autoimmune diseases.

Conclusions

We identified 34 genes with a possible role in the etiology of sarcoidosis, including JAK2. Our results may suggest evaluation of JAK inhibitors in treatment-resistant sarcoidosis.

Key Points• JAK2 has a potential role in the etiology of sarcoidosis and is a potential therapeutic target.• We identified 33 additional candidate genes of which BACH2 and NCF1 have been previously associated with autoimmune disease.
Increased orexin A concentrations in cerebrospinal fluid of patients with behavioural variant frontotemporal dementia
Authors: Roveta Fausto , Marcinnò Andrea , Cremascoli Riccardo , Priano Lorenzo , Cattaldo Stefania , Rubino Elisa , Gallo Erica , Boschi Silvia , Mauro Alessandro , Rainero Innocenzo
Published: April 2021

Orexins are hypothalamic neuropeptides that regulate several physiological functions, such as appetite, arousal, cognition, stress, sleep and metabolism. Emerging pieces of evidence suggest an orexinergic dysfunction in several neuropsychiatric disorders, including depression, anxiety and addiction. A syndromic overlap between behavioural variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) and several psychiatric disorders was recently demonstrated. Therefore, we analysed cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) orexin A concentrations of 40 bvFTD and 32 non-demented patients, correlating neuropeptide concentrations with several clinical characteristics. A significant increase of orexin A concentrations was found in bvFTD patients when compared to controls (p<0.001). CSF orexin A concentration showed a correlation with Mini-Mental State Examination scores, drug assumption, history of compulsive behaviour and extrapyramidal signs. Moreover, we found a relationship between CSF markers of neurodegeneration, total tau and Aβ1–42 and CSF orexin A concentrations. Our study provides evidence of an orexinergic dysfunction in bvFTD, correlating with several clinical symptoms. Further larger studies are needed to confirm our data.
Porcelain gallbladder and its relationship to cancer
Authors: Calomino Natale , Scheiterle Maximilian Leonardo Philip Federico , Fusario Daniele , La Francesca Noemi , Martellucci Ignazio , Marrelli Daniele
Published: April 2021

Background

Porcelain gallbladder (PGB) is defined as calcium deposits encrusting the internal visceral layer, which becomes hard, brittle, and bluish. Porcelain gallbladder is rare and has been found in less than 1% of routine cholecystectomy specimens. Several studies report an incidence of gallbladder carcinoma (GBC) associated with gallbladder calcification varying between 12.5 and 61%, data which have been known for 60 years. There is a lack of information concerning PGB and its association with GBC, and the aim of this study is to better define this relationship.

Methods

A total of 10 patients were found to have PGB in 1050 consecutive routine surgical cholecystectomies. Clinical and laboratory findings, gallbladder histologic examination, bile culture, and bile pH were related to stone composition analysis performed by X‑ray diffraction using Perkin–Elmer (Perkin Elmer Corp. Norwalk, CT, US) 1625 FTIR.

Results

Among the 10 patients with PGB, complete calcification of the entire gallbladder wall was present in six cases, while four patients had partial calcification. Gallstones were present in all cases of PGB, multiple stones in nine cases and a single stone in one case. Bile culture was performed in all patients of the series. Among the 10 cases with PGB, culture was positive in two cases.

Conclusion

PGB is a disease as rare as it is subtle. Moreover, the chronic stimulation by stones can generate an initial dysplasia that will subsequently turn into a neoplasm: the cancerization risk is probably no different from long-standing cholesterol or combined stones, but as risk factor for cancer it requires early cholecystectomy.
Self-intersections of closed parametrized minimal surfaces in generic Riemannian manifolds
Authors: Moore John Douglas
Published: April 2021

This article shows that for generic choice of Riemannian metric on a compact oriented manifold M of dimension four, the tangent planes at any self-intersection $$p \in M$$

p
∈
M

of any prime closed parametrized minimal surface in M are not simultaneously complex for any orthogonal complex structure on M at p. This implies via geometric measure theory that $$H_2(M;{{\mathbb {Z}}})$$

H
2

(
M
;
Z
)

is generated by homology classes that are represented by oriented imbedded minimal surfaces.
Towards a Comprehensive View of Object-Oriented Play
Authors: Wynberg Elizabeth R. , Boland Annerieke , Raijmakers Maartje E. J. , van der Veen Chiel
Published: April 2021

The exploration and/or manipulation of objects and materials, referred to as object-oriented play (OOP), is one of the most prominent activities children engage in during early childhood. Especially within early childhood education, it is important to be able to assess and understand OOP, its developmental trajectory, and developmental value. This can support early childhood educators to successfully guide or enrich children’s OOP, so it becomes a context in which learning can take place. During the past decades, three dominant theoretical perspectives have explained and assessed certain (developmental) aspects of OOP: (1) genetic epistemology, (2) cultural historical psychology, and (3) evolutionary psychology. After reviewing the literature concerning OOP according to each theoretical perspective, this paper aims to synthesize these existing theories into a unified theoretical framework. This theoretical framework can be a starting point for future research on OOP in early childhood (education). We answer the following research questions: Q1. What are the defining labels and features of the exploration and/or manipulation of objects and materials by children in early childhood?; Q2. What is the developmental trajectory of the exploration and/or manipulation of objects and materials by children in early childhood?; Q3. What is the developmental value of the exploration and/or manipulation of objects and materials by children in early childhood?
Carbohydrate based meningococcal vaccines: past and present overview
Authors: Berti Francesco , Romano Maria Rosaria , Micoli Francesca , Adamo Roberto
Published: April 2021

Neisseria meningitidis is a major cause of bacterial meningitidis worldwide. Children less than five years and adolescents are particularly affected. Nearly all invasive strains are surrounded by a polysaccharide capsule, based on which, 12 N. meningitidis serogroups are differentiated. Six of them, A, B, C, W, X, and Y, cause the vast majority of infections in humans. Mono- and multi-valent carbohydrate-based vaccines against meningococcal infections have been licensed or are currently in clinical development. In this mini-review, an overview of the past and present approaches for producing meningococcal glycoconjugate vaccines is provided.
On the Application of Magnetoacoustic Emission for a Nondestructive Assessment of the Post Welding Heat Treatment of High Chromium Steel Weld Seams
Authors: Piotrowski L. , Chmielewski M. , Golański G. , Wojsyk K.
Published: April 2021

The paper analyses the possibility of post weld heat treatment (PWHT) quality assessment with the help of magnetoacoustic emission (MAE) signal measurements. Two welded superheater tubes, made of high chromium VM12 steel, were analysed—as welded and heat treated one. The analysed sample in the as welded state exhibited significantly higher hardness, accompanied by a big difference in the MAE signal intensity (of order of about 50%). In order to explain that, the influence of tempering on the MAE signal intensity is demonstrated for the very similar X20CrMoV12.1 steel. It is shown that the observed increase of the MAE intensity as a function of annealing time is directly correlated with the change in hardness. The as described dependence allows to propose a method based on the MAE signal measurements as a new tool for the PWHT assessment.
Reconstitution of GABA, Glycine and Glutamate Transporters
Authors: Danbolt Niels Christian , López-Corcuera Beatriz , Zhou Yun
Published: April 2021

In contrast to water soluble enzymes which can be purified and studied while in solution, studies of solute carrier (transporter) proteins require both that the protein of interest is situated in a phospholipid membrane and that this membrane forms a closed compartment. An additional challenge to the study of transporter proteins has been that the transport depends on the transmembrane electrochemical gradients. Baruch I. Kanner understood this early on and first developed techniques for studying plasma membrane vesicles. This advanced the field in that the experimenter could control the electrochemical gradients. Kanner, however, did not stop there, but started to solubilize the membranes so that the transporter proteins were taken out of their natural environment. In order to study them, Kanner then had to find a way to reconstitute them (reinsert them into phospholipid membranes). The scope of the present review is both to describe the reconstitution method in full detail as that has never been done, and also to reveal the scientific impact that this method has had. Kanner’s later work is not reviewed here although that also deserves a review because it too has had a huge impact.
The adoption of drones in German agriculture: a structural equation model
Authors: Michels Marius , von Hobe Cord-Friedrich , Weller von Ahlefeld Paul Johann , Musshoff Oliver
Published: April 2021

Drones are one of the latest tools to have been added to farmers’ precision agriculture technology tool kit. Despite the proclaimed benefits, adoption rates of drones are low and literature regarding the adoption of drones in agriculture is scarce. Therefore, this study investigates whether an extended Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) can contribute to the understanding of latent factors influencing farmers’ intention to adopt a drone. The sample of 167 German farmers was collected in 2019 via an online survey. Using partial least squares structural equation modelling and a binary model, the TAM explains 69% of the variance in the intention to use a drone by German farmers. According to the results, raising farmers’ awareness of farm-specific areas of drone application and the confidence level of using a drone can increase farmers’ intention to adopt a drone. The results are of interest for agribusinesses developing drones as well as selling or providing drones. Furthermore, the results are of interest for researchers in precision agriculture technologies.
What Should Conceptual Engineering Be All About?
Authors: Isaac Manuel Gustavo
Published: April 2021

Conceptual engineering is commonly characterized as the method for assessing and improving our representational devices. Little has been said, however, on how best to construe these representational devices—in other words, on what conceptual engineering should be all about. This paper tackles this problem with a basic strategy: First, by presenting a taxonomy of the different possible subject matters for conceptual engineering; then, by comparatively assessing them and selecting the most conducive one with a view to making conceptual engineering an actionable method, that is, a method that can be applied effectively and consistently to specific case studies. The outcome is that conceptual engineering should be all about concepts on pain of pragmatic inconsistencies otherwise.
Teilhabechancen von und Netzwerke für ältere Menschen mit Behinderungen im Quartier
Authors: Jahnke Mareen , Petersen-Ewert Corinna
Published: April 2021

Hintergrund

Im Zuge des demographischen Wandels steigt die Lebenserwartung von Menschen mit Behinderung. Somit nimmt auch die Anzahl von Personen mit Behinderung zu, die den Ruhestand erreichen und Unterstützung benötigen. Um ihnen Teilhabe zu ermöglichen, bedarf es eines Netzwerks im Sozialraum. Ziel der vorliegenden Studie war, Teilhabechancen zu analysieren und die Netzwerkstruktur für Menschen mit Behinderung im Senior*innenalter in vier Hamburger Stadtteilen aufzuzeigen.

Methodik

In einer Vorstudie wurden 27 Einzelinterviews mit Menschen mit Behinderung durchgeführt. Ausgehend von den Ergebnissen der Vorstudie fanden acht Fokusgruppeninterviews mit Akteuren aus dem Bereich der Behindertenhilfe und aus den jeweiligen Stadtteilen statt. Um die stadtteilbezogene Netzwerkstruktur sichtbar zu machen, erfolgte eine Online-Befragung mit 86 Akteuren, die mit einem Träger der Behindertenhilfe, der Leben mit Behinderung Hamburg Sozialeinrichtungen gemeinnützige GmbH, kooperieren.

Ergebnisse

Bezüglich der Teilhabechancen von Menschen mit Behinderung im Senior*innenalter wurde ein Bedarf für eine professionelle Begleitung im Alltag ergänzt durch ehrenamtliche Pat*innen identifiziert. Aufsuchende Beratungs- und Versorgungsangebote könnten zur Förderung der Gesundheit von Menschen mit Behinderung beitragen. Bei der Konzeption dieser Angebote sollten die Adressat*innen beteiligt werden. Zudem wäre eine professionelle Koordination notwendig, um die Vernetzung der Angebote, Akteure und Menschen mit/ohne Behinderung im Stadtteil zu stärken.

Schlussfolgerung

Die Ergebnisse unterstreichen, dass eine sozialraumorientierte Arbeitsweise unter Einbezug der Akteure und im Stadtteil lebender Menschen mit und ohne Behinderung bei der Gestaltung der Lebensbedingungen die Teilhabechancen aller fördern kann.
Die dunkle Seite der Vorstellungskraft: Das Abjekt als Verworfenes im Imaginären
Authors: Pfaller Larissa
Published: April 2021

Die sich derzeitig konstituierende Soziologie des Imaginären nimmt dieses in erster Linie über die Rekonstruktion bedeutungstragender Vorstellungsinhalte in den Blick. Demgegenüber bleibt dasjenige, was im Imaginären verworfen wird, außerhalb empirischer Forschung wie theoretischer Betrachtungen. Um diese Lücke zu schließen, schlägt der Artikel den Begriff des Abjekts vor, dessen analytisches Potenzial für die Soziologie bisher ungenutzt bleibt. Am Beispiel des Phänomens des vierten Alters wird anschließend vorgeführt, wie eine Analyse des Abjekts systematisch für die Rekonstruktion des sozialen Imaginären nutzbar gemacht werden kann. Im Sinne einer Soziologie des Exzeptionellen plädiert der Artikel abschließend dafür, auch das soziale Imaginäre stets von seinen Grenzen aus zu denken.
REMAXINT: a two-mode clustering-based method for statistical inference on two-way interaction
Authors: Ahmed Zaheer , Cassese Alberto , van Breukelen Gerard , Schepers Jan
Published: April 2021

We present a novel method, REMAXINT, that captures the gist of two-way interaction in row by column (i.e., two-mode) data, with one observation per cell. REMAXINT is a probabilistic two-mode clustering model that yields two-mode partitions with maximal interaction between row and column clusters. For estimation of the parameters of REMAXINT, we maximize a conditional classification likelihood in which the random row (or column) main effects are conditioned out. For testing the null hypothesis of no interaction between row and column clusters, we propose a$$max-F$$max-Ftest statistic and discuss its properties. We develop a Monte Carlo approach to obtain its sampling distribution under the null hypothesis. We evaluate the performance of the method through simulation studies. Specifically, for selected values of data size and (true) numbers of clusters, we obtain critical values of the$$max-F$$max-Fstatistic, determine empirical Type I error rate of the proposed inferential procedure and study its power to reject the null hypothesis. Next, we show that the novel method is useful in a variety of applications by presenting two empirical case studies and end with some concluding remarks.
Glucose metabolism outcomes in acromegaly patients on treatment with pasireotide-LAR or pasireotide-LAR plus Pegvisomant
Authors: Chiloiro Sabrina , Giampietro Antonella , Visconti Felicia , Rossi Laura , Donfrancesco Federico , Fleseriu Cara M. , Mirra Federica , Pontecorvi Alfredo , Giustina Andrea , Fleseriu Maria , De Marinis Laura , Bianchi Antonio
Published: April 2021

Introduction

Disorders of glucose metabolism are a serious acromegaly comorbidity and may be differently impacted by medical treatments of acromegaly. In this retrospective longitudinal multicenter study, we investigated the outcome of glucose metabolism and its predictors in patients treated with Pasireotide LAR (PAS-LAR) alone or in combination with Pegvisomant (PAS-LAR + Peg-V).

Subjects and methods

Acromegaly patients treated continously with PAS-LAR or PAS-LAR + Peg-V for at least 6 months.

Results

Forty patients (25 females, 15 males) were enrolled. At last visit, 27/40 patients (67.5%) reached biochemical control of acromegaly. Overall, glucose metabolism improved in 3 (all in PAS-LAR + Peg-V; 7.5%), worsened in 26 (65%) and remained unchanged in 11 patients (27.5%). Glucose metabolism worsened in 25 patients (73.5%) treated with PAS-LAR and in a single patient (16.7%) treated with PAS-LAR + Peg-V (p < 0.001). Among patients treated with Pas-LAR alone, GH at baseline was higher in those with worsening of glucose metabolism (p = 0.04) as compared to those with stable glucose status. A significantly higher reduction of HbA1c was observed in patients treated with PAS-LAR + Peg-V, as compared with those treated with PAS-LAR alone (p = 0.005).

Conclusions

Our data confirmed that glucose metabolism in patients treated with PAS-LAR is often worsened, and may be predicted by entity of baseline GH hypersecretion and by the dose of PAS-LAR. Moreover, our data, although limited by small numbers, may suggest that the combination treatment PAS-LAR + Peg-V can improve glucose homeostasis in selected patients.