bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
One-step estimation for the fractional Gaussian noise at high-frequency
Authors: Brouste Alexandre , Soltane Marius , Votsi Irene
Published: September 2020

The present paper concerns the parametric estimation for the fractional Gaussian noise in a high-frequency observation scheme. The sequence of Le Cam’s one-step maximum likelihood estimators (OSMLE) is studied. This sequence is defined by an initial sequence of quadratic generalized variations-based estimators (QGV) and a single Fisher scoring step. The sequence of OSMLE is proved to be asymptotically efficient as the sequence of maximum likelihood estimators but is much less computationally demanding. It is also advantageous with respect to the QGV which is not variance efficient. Performances of the estimators on finite size observation samples are illustrated by means of Monte-Carlo simulations.
On the retrial queue with imperfect coverage and delay reboot
Authors: Liu Tzu-Hsin , Ke Jau-Chuan , Kuo Ching-Chang , Chang Fu-Min
Published: September 2020

Retrial systems have been used extensively to model many practical problems in call center, data center, cloud service computing center and computer network system. This paper deals with a multi-server retrial system with the features of imperfect coverage and delay reboot. In the investigated system, arrivals may not be detected because of some fault issues. When this situation happened, the system is cleared by a reboot operation. Once arrivals are detected and located, they are attended to when a server is available; otherwise, they join a retrial orbit and generate repeated attempts till a free server is found. We analyze the presented model as a quasi-birth-and-death process and develop various performance indices. The optimal number of servers and optimal service rate are searched by constructing an average cost function. A heuristic search technique is employed to obtain the optimization approximate solution at a minimum cost. Numerical illustrations are given to demonstrate the optimization procedure and the effects of varying parameters on performance indices. We also present an application example to demonstrate the applicability of investigated model.
Update 2020: Systemische Therapie des differenzierten und medullären Schilddrüsenkarzinoms
Authors: Kreißl Michael C. , Widmann Thomas , Genseke Philipp , Nagarajah James
Published: September 2020

Für das fortgeschrittene Radiojod-refraktäre differenzierte Schilddrüsenkarzinom (DTC) als auch für das progrediente medulläre Schilddrüsenkarzinom sind seit mehreren Jahren Tyrosinkinase-Inhibitoren (TKI) als wirksame Therapieoptionen zugelassen. Nicht zuletzt aufgrund des Toxizitätsprofiles der TKIs erfolgt deren Einsatz individualisiert und risikoadaptiert nach Ausschöpfen lokaler palliativer Therapieverfahren und wenn bei großer Tumormasse und/oder signifikantem Fortschreiten ein weiteres Abwarten nicht mehr vertretbar erscheint. Für das DTC gibt es zwei zugelassene Tyrosinkinaseinhibitoren, Lenvatinib und Sorafenib; für das MTC sind es ebenfalls zwei, Vandetanib und Cabozantinib. Hinzu kommen, vor allem in letzter Zeit, (relativ) selektive Inhibitoren einzelner Tyrosinkinasen (z. B. BRAF, MEK, NTRK, RET und mTOR), die im Rahmen von Studien oder im individuellen Heilversuch zur Verfügung stehen. Kürzlich erlangten zwei NTRK-Inhibitoren die europäische Zulassung und können bei Vorliegen einer NTRK-Fusion eingesetzt werden; leider ist diese Fusion jedoch relativ selten beim Schilddrüsenkarzinom zu finden.

In Summe sind die Nebenwirkungen der selektiven Inhibitoren meist geringer als die der bisher zugelassenen Medikamente, bei teils besserer, teils gleicher und teils etwas schlechterer Wirkung. Es steht zu erwarten, dass die selektiven Inhibitoren zukünftig das therapeutische Spektrum ergänzen werden. Grundvoraussetzung ist jedoch eine molekulare Analyse von Tumorgewebe mit Nachweis einer spezifischen Veränderung im Sinne eines „drugable target“. Um eine optimale individuelle Therapieplanung unter Berücksichtigung aller möglichen Therapieoptionen, inklusive Einschluss in klinische Studien, zu gewährleisten, sollten Patienten mit fortgeschrittenem MTC oder Radiojod-refraktären DTC interdisziplinär an spezialisierten Zentren (mit-)betreut werden.
Sind Röntgenspezialaufnahmen noch zeitgemäß?
Authors: Becker Claus , Loose Reinhard
Published: September 2020

Fast alle klinischen Fächer treten mit den verschiedensten Fragestellungen an die Radiologie heran. Diese werden durch die Radiologie mit verschiedenen Methoden und Modalitäten beantwortet. Hierzu zählen viele Röntgenspezialaufnahmen, die in der Routine noch durchgeführt werden. Allerdings sind nur noch wenige indiziert. Dieser Artikel gibt einen Überblick über derzeit noch gängige Röntgenspezialaufnahmen.
Strahlenrisiken nach Radiojodtherapie
Authors: Kreißl Michael C. , Reinecke Maximilian , Luster Markus
Published: September 2020

Bei der Anwendung ionisierender Strahlung ist prinzipiell mit der Induktion von Zweitmalignomen zu rechnen. Dies trifft auch auf die Radiojodtherapie beim differenzierten Schilddrüsenkarzinom bzw. bei benignen Erkrankungen der Schilddrüse zu. Bei der in der Regel höher dosierten Radiojodgabe zur Behandlung des differenzierten Schilddrüsenkarzinoms ist der Effekt in einigen groß angelegten retrospektiven Studien nachweisbar und muss dem therapeutischen und auch diagnostischen Nutzen gegenübergestellt werden. Das Strahlenrisiko bei der Behandlung von gutartigen Schilddrüsenerkrankungen ist als sehr gering einzuschätzen. Eine jüngst publizierte Studie mit sehr langem Follow-up beschreibt eine dosisabhängig steigende Sterblichkeit an Zweitmalignomen im Vergleich. Eine am gleichen Kollektiv durchgeführte weitere Analyse fand jedoch nur eine erhöhte Sterblichkeit im Vergleich zur Normalbevölkerung bei Langzeitthyreostase und nicht nach Radiojodgabe.

Insgesamt gilt es, im Kontext von Radiojod auch bei der Interpretation von Studiendaten, die Strahlenrisiken mit den weiteren Risiken, den Vorteilen und Vorzügen bzw. Nachteilen der alternativen Therapieoptionen in Bezug zu setzen.
Empfehlung zum differenzierten Einsatz nuklearmedizinischer Diagnostik bei Parkinson-Syndromen
Authors: van Eimeren Thilo , Claßen Joseph , Drzezga Alexander , Eggers Carsten , Hilker-Roggendorf Rüdiger , Klucken Jochen , Koschel Jiri , Meyer Philipp Tobias , Redecker Christoph , Theis Hendrik , Buhmann Carsten
Published: September 2020

Die vorliegende Arbeit gibt einen Überblick über die verschiedenen nuklearmedizinischen Verfahren in der Diagnostik bei neurodegenerativen Parkinson-Syndromen sowie ihre Evidenzlage und soll praxistaugliche Entscheidungshilfen in der Anwendung und Interpretation der Methoden und Befunde ermöglichen. Die Wertigkeit der Verfahren unterscheidet sich erheblich in Bezug auf die beiden relevanten diagnostischen Fragestellungen. Dies ist zum einen die Frage, ob überhaupt ein neurodegeneratives Parkinson-Syndrom vorliegt, zum anderen die Frage, welches. Während zur Beantwortung der ersten Frage das DAT-SPECT unter Berücksichtigung gewisser Parameter in der Praxis unbestritten die Methode der Wahl ist, eignet sich dieses Verfahren nicht zur Beantwortung der zweiten Fragestellung. Zur Unterscheidung der Parkinson-Syndrome in idiopathisch oder atypisch werden im klinischen Alltag mit der MIBG-Szintigraphie und dem FDG-PET verschiedene Verfahren angewendet. Wir legen dar, warum das FDG-PET von diesen Methoden nicht nur die geeignetste ist, um ein idiopathisches Parkinson-Syndrom von einem atypischen Parkinson-Syndrom abzugrenzen, sondern auch ausreichend valide ermöglicht, die verschiedenen atypischen neurodegenerativen Parkinson-Syndrome (d. h. MSA, PSP und CBD) voneinander zu unterscheiden, und deshalb in den Leistungskatalog der GKV aufgenommen werden sollte.
Surgery around the Orbit: How to Select an Approach
Authors: Locatelli Davide , Dallan Iacopo , Castelnuovo Paolo
Published: September 2020

Orbital region pathologies may be safely and effectively treated through a various number of approaches. As the concept of “outcome” and minimally invasive surgery keeps gaining popularity in neurosurgery, these approaches—each with specific indications and limitations—together provide the best surgical options.
An 80-Carbon Aromatic Saddle Enabled by a Naphthalene-Directed Scholl Reaction
Authors: Pun Sai Ho , Chan Chi Kit , Liu Zhifeng , Miao Qian
Published: September 2020

Synthesis of an unprecedented aromatic saddle consisting of 80 sp2 carbons is enabled by including naphthylene groups in the substrate of the Scholl reaction. The negatively curved polycyclic framework of this aromatic saddle is revealed by the single crystal X-ray crystallography, and its stereodynamics are studied with density functional theory calculations.
A solvable model of the breakdown of the adiabatic approximation
Authors: Galtbayar A. , Jensen A. , Yajima K.
Published: September 2020

Let L ≥ 0 and 0 < ɛ ≪ 1. Consider the following time-dependent family of 1D Schrödinger equations with scaled harmonic oscillator potentials iε∂tuε=−12∂x2uε+V(t,x)uε, uɛ(−L − 1, x) = π−1/4 exp(−x2/2), where V(t, x) = (t + L)2x2/2, t < − L, V(t, x) = 0, − L ≤ t ≤ L, and V(t, x) = (t − L)2x2/2, t > L. The initial value problem is explicitly solvable in terms of Bessel functions. Using the explicit solutions, we show that the adiabatic theorem breaks down as ɛ → 0. For the case L = 0, complete results are obtained. The survival probability of the ground state π−1/4 exp(−x2/2) at microscopic time t = 1/ɛ is 1/2+O(ε). For L > 0, the framework for further computations and preliminary results are given.
Patchy landscapes in arid environments: Nonlinear analysis of the interaction-redistribution model
Authors: Messaoudi M. , Clerc M. G. , Berríos-Caro E. , Pinto-Ramos D. , Khaffou M. , Makhoute A. , Tlidi M.
Published: September 2020

We consider a generic interaction-redistribution model of vegetation dynamics to investigate the formation of patchy vegetation in semi-arid and arid landscapes. First, we perform a weakly nonlinear analysis in the neighborhood of the symmetry-breaking instability. Following this analysis, we construct the bifurcation diagram of the biomass density. The weakly nonlinear analysis allows us to establish the condition under which the transition from super- to subcritical symmetry-breaking instability takes place. Second, we generate a random distribution of localized patches of vegetation numerically. This behavior occurs in regimes where a bare state coexists with a uniform biomass density. Field observations allow to estimate the total biomass density and the range of facilitative and competitive interactions.
Ion species discrimination method by linear energy transfer measurement in Fujifilm BAS-SR imaging plate
Authors: Nishiuchi M. , Sakaki H. , Dover N. P. , Miyahara T. , Shiokawa K. , Manabe S. , Miyatake T. , Kondo Ko. , Kondo Ke. , Iwata Y. , Watanabe Y. , Kondo Ki.
Published: September 2020

We have developed a novel discrimination methodology to identify ions in multispecies beams with similar charge-to-mass ratios, but different atomic numbers. After an initial separation by charge-to-mass ratios using co-linear electric and magnetic fields, individual ions can be discriminated by considering the linear energy transfer of ions irradiating a stimulable phosphor plate (Fujifilm imaging plate) by comparison with the Monte Carlo calculation. We apply the method to energetic multispecies laser-driven ion beams and use it to identify silver ions produced by the interaction between a high contrast, high intensity laser pulse; and a sub-micrometer silver foil target. We also show that this method can be used to calibrate the imaging plate for arbitrary ion species in the range of Z ≥ 6 with dE/dx > 0.1 MeV/μm without requiring individual calibration.
Multiplicity results for double phase problems in RN
Authors: Liu Wulong , Dai Guowei
Published: September 2020

We consider a double phase problem in RN with a q−1-superlinear subcritical Carathéodory reaction term, which does not satisfy the Ambrosetti–Rabinowitz condition. Using variational methods based on the topological degree and critical point theory together with the Nehari manifold method and deformation lemma, we find three nontrivial solutions: among them, the first one is the positive ground state solution, the second one is the negative ground state solution, and the third one is the least energy sign-changing solution, which changes sign only once. We also discuss the existence of infinitely many solutions for even energy functional and that of radial solutions.
Pore-scale investigation of CO2/oil exsolution in CO2 huff-n-puff for enhanced oil recovery
Authors: Huang Feng , Xu Ruina , Jiang Peixue , Wang Chao , Wang Haitao , Lun Zengmin
Published: September 2020

A pore-scale high-pressure visualization experimental system is used to investigate CO2 exsolution during the CO2 huff-n-puff process for enhanced oil recovery and geological CO2 storage. Eighteen different experimental cases are examined to investigate the mechanisms by which depressurization-induced CO2 exsolution is affected by a near-miscible vs an immiscible CO2/oil initial state, by the depressurization rate, and by the presence of a water phase under different wettability conditions. CO2 exsolution is divided into three processes: nucleation, growth and coalescence, and migration. Visual observations and statistical results indicate that a near-miscible CO2/oil initial state causes intense and instantaneous CO2 nucleation. The presence of water effectively hinders the coalescence and migration of CO2 ganglia, reducing the generation and rapid departure of large CO2 ganglia in both water-wet and oil-wet cases. The amount of residual CO2 ganglia increases significantly in the presence of water, and the volumes of most of the increased residual CO2 ganglia are small. Hindrance by the presence of water is predominantly due to contact angle hysteresis rather than the Jamin effect, since it is found that the triple-phase contact lines do not move under most conditions. The residual CO2 saturation increases substantially in the presence of water, regardless of the wettability (oil vs water), with the improvement reaching 95%.
Effects of free stream excitation on the boundary layer over a semi-infinite flat plate
Authors: Sundaram Prasannabalaji , Suman Vajjala K. , Sengupta Aditi , Sengupta Tapan K.
Published: September 2020

Transition to turbulence for flow over a semi-infinite flat plate can occur due to disturbances convecting in the free stream, and various routes have been studied in the literature. Specifically, this has been discussed in great detail as a global receptivity problem [Sengupta et al., “Nonmodal nonlinear route of transition to two-dimensional turbulence,” Phys. Rev. Res. 2, 012033(R) (2020)]. Here, the same is studied for the deterministic excitation of a vortex translating with a fixed speed at a fixed height outside the boundary layer. The study aims to capture the fundamental differences in the mechanisms followed by linear and nonlinear global formulations, the existence of the nonmodal spatio-temporal wave front (STWF), onset of nonlinearity, and nonlinear saturation of the STWF by dispersion and phase effects. Other issues related to the initial location of the vortex and its strength are addressed in the present work. The main finding of the investigation is that the onset of the STWF is captured by both formulations, but it occurs at different locations and times. The nonlinear global receptivity study shows earlier onset and saturation of the STWF, while the corresponding linear study shows a delayed onset and no saturation. Overall, it is essential to operate within a nonlinear framework to capture the later stages of transition, phase shift due to nonlinear dispersion and saturation, which depend strictly on nonlinearity.
“Oh, I don’t even know how to say this in Spanish”
Authors: Melgarejo Victoria , Bucholtz Mary
Published: September 2020

In the absence of complex and diverse Latinx characters in entertainment media, film and television representations of Latinxs’ culture and language typically embody limiting and harmful stereotypes. However, the highly praised U.S.-based romantic comedy-drama “Jane the Virgin” offers a very different representation. With believable characters and complex linguistic dynamics, the show provides a positive and relatively realistic representation both of Latinxs across generations and of their linguistic repertoires as documented in community studies of Latinx language. Through an analysis of the linguistic practices of Latinx characters in “Jane the Virgin,” including patterns of intergenerational language shift, linguistic accommodation, and codeswitching, it is argued that the show acknowledges and treats as unmarked the linguistic complexity of Latinx families and communities. At the same time, the show oversimplifies this complexity in some ways, creating a representation that may be perceived as authentic despite its divergence from real-world Latinx language use.
Interpreting during the Cold War era in Turkey
Authors: Arzık-Erzurumlu Özüm
Published: September 2020

This article examines the way the Cold War shaped the field of interpreting in Turkey. Turkey became part of the anti-communist bloc, and one outcome of this Turkish-American partnership was the influence that a constellation of American and Turkish organizations exerted on the nascent field of interpreting. Through open-ended interviews with selected interpreters, the article seeks to shed light on the way the Cold War impacted the practice of interpreting. By drawing on Lewin’s (1947) concept of gatekeeping, it is suggested that the US-led anti-communist campaign of the Cold War affected the topics that were interpreted, the common language pairs, and interpreters’ lexical choices. The Cold War, thus, became a “gate” through which the interpreted topics, languages, lexical choices, and even the interpreters – all of which were instruments of the regime – had to pass through.
Electron-capture cross sections from atoms to hydrogen-like projectiles
Authors: Samaddar S , Jana D , Purkait K , Purkait M
Published: September 2020

State-selective total and projectile angular-differential cross sections for single-electron transfer to the ground state from atoms in collisions with hydrogen-like projectiles are calculated by means of the four-body distorted wave approximation in the energy range from 25 to 2500 keV amu−1. In the initial channel, the effect of the dynamic electron–electron correlation is explicitly taken into account through the complete perturbation potentials. Distortion in the initial channel due to the Coulomb continuum states of the target and the active electron in the field of the residual projectile ion is included. The quantum-mechanical prior and post transition amplitudes for single-electron capture for symmetric and asymmetric collisions are then derived in terms of three-dimensional real integrals. The role of dynamic inter-electron correlation on the cross sections as a function of the impact energy is examined. Only for He+–He collisions, the projectile angular-differential cross sections for ground state capture are calculated at different impact energies. We investigate the effect of the total cross section as well as the projectile angular-differential cross sections to the choice of different ground state wavefunction of the projectile in the final state. It is observed that although the shape of the differential cross section does not change significantly for these functions, there is a significant change of the differential cross sections due to the choice of the target description. The differential cross section reveals pronounced minima and maxima in the projectile scattering angles as the projectile energy decreases. The observed structure demonstrates the analogy of atomic de Broglie’s matter-wave scattering and Fraunhofer-type diffraction. Finally the validity of our results is assessed by comparison with available experimental data.
Tunable plasmon induced transparency and multispectral transparency with large group delay in graphene metamaterials
Authors: Fan Chunzhen , Jia Yuanlin , Ren Peiwen , Jia Wei
Published: September 2020

Tunable plasmon included transparency (PIT) and multispectral transparency in the THz region have been achieved with graphene metamaterials, which consist of four graphene cut wires on the dielectric substrate. The PIT transparency window originates from the bright-bright mode coupling with two sets of identical graphene stips. The electric field distribution at each resonant peak is fully examined and the number of optical resonant peaks can be flexibly altered with the designed strip length. The transmission spectra agree well with the Lorentz fitting. Moreover, multispectral transparency can also be dynamically tuned via Fermi energy (E
F). Namely, the resonant peaks move into the high frequency region with a larger E
F. The dispersion behavior is explored elaborately and the group delay can reach up to 10.22 ps, which is one magnitude higher than the previous work. Finally, the movement of the multispectral transparency with different embedded solutions is fully examined in the application of sensing. Such active and switchable graphene metamaterials may open up a new avenue in the application of optical filters, switchers or sensors.
Underwater low-velocity gas flow measurement based on passive acoustics with stable volume resolution
Authors: Zhang Yu , Feng Zhu , Rui Xiaobo , Yue Guixuan , Huang Xinjing
Published: September 2020

Underwater gas escape is widespread in the marine and industrial fields and the low-velocity gas caused by trace gas escape is difficult to be detected or measured. An underwater low-velocity gas flow measurement method based on passive acoustics with stable volume resolution is proposed in this paper. The elastic wave signal generated by the underwater gas is acquired by a hydrophone and filtered by the wavelet packet filtering method. The flow rate can be cumulatively estimated by the relationship between the bubble and the spectrum characteristics. The volume resolution of the bubble is stable, which is achieved by adjusting the signal frequency resolution. This method is adaptive to the processing of bubbles in different volumes. The stable volume resolution is helpful to reduce the random error for the cumulative continuous bubble volume estimation. Underwater gas leakage experimental platforms were established under laboratory conditions and lake conditions. The results show that the method has high accuracy and stability. For a single bubble and low-velocity flow conditions under laboratory conditions, the minimum error is 0.3% and the maximum error is 3.9% between 5 and 25 ml min−1. For the low-velocity flow under lake conditions, the minimum error is 0.8% and the maximum error is 8% between 10 and 60 ml min−1.
Scalar spectrum in a graviton soft wall model
Authors: Rinaldi Matteo , Vento Vicente
Published: September 2020

In this study we present a unified phenomenological analysis of the scalar glueball and scalar meson spectra within an AdS/QCD framework in the bottom up approach. For this purpose we generalize the recently developed graviton soft-wall (GSW) model, which has shown an excellent agreement with the lattice QCD glueball spectrum, to a description of glueballs and mesons with a unique energy scale. In this scheme, dilatonic effects, are incorporated in the metric as a deformation of the AdS space. We apply the model also to the heavy meson spectra with success. We obtain quadratic mass equations for all scalar mesons while the glueballs satisfy an almost linear mass equation. Besides their spectra, we also discuss the mixing of scalar glueball and light scalar meson states within a unified framework: the GSW model. To this aim, the light-front (LF) holographic approach, which connects the mode functions of AdS/QCD to the LF wave functions, is applied. This relation provides the probabilistic interpretation required to properly investigate the mixing conditions.
Recent advances in the quantification of uncertainties in reaction theory
Authors: Lovell A E , Nunes F M , Catacora-Rios M , King G B
Published: September 2020

Uncertainty quantification has become increasingly more prominent in nuclear physics over the past several years. In few-body reaction theory, there are four main sources that contribute to the uncertainties in the calculated observables: the effective potentials, approximations made to the few-body problem, structure functions, and degrees of freedom left out of the model space. In this work, we illustrate some of the features that can be obtained when modern statistical tools are applied in the context of nuclear reactions. This work consists of a summary of the progress that has been made in quantifying theoretical uncertainties in this domain, focusing primarily on those uncertainties coming from the effective optical potential as well as their propagation within various reaction theories. We use, as the central example, reactions on the doubly-magic stable nucleus 40Ca, namely neutron and proton elastic scattering and single-nucleon transfer 40Ca(d,p)41Ca. First, we show different optimization schemes used to constrain the optical potential from differential cross sections and other experimental constraints; we then discuss how these uncertainties propagate to the transfer cross section, comparing two reaction theories. We finish by laying out our future plans.
Measuring count rates free from correlated noise in digital silicon photomultipliers
Authors: Vachon Frédéric , Parent Samuel , Nolet Frédéric , Dautet Henri , Pratte Jean-François , Charlebois Serge A
Published: September 2020

The characterization of nuisance parameters in digital silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs) is important to their understanding and future development. Methods able to distinguish the types of events are necessary to obtain fair and legitimate measurements. In this work, the zero photon probability (ZPP) method and the time delay (TD) method are used to measure the dark noise of digital SiPMs free from the contribution of correlated noise such as afterpulsing and crosstalk. It highlights the unique features of digital SiPMs such as the holdoff delay, the digital output signal, and the embedded processing (e.g. the selection of the interval sampling width). The two methods correctly separate the correlated and uncorrelated events in digital SiPMs and therefore the determination of a true photon detection efficiency (PDE) is possible. The ZPP method is also implemented inside a digital SiPM using embedded digital signal processing.
A MoSSe/blue phosphorene vdw heterostructure with energy conversion efficiency of 19.9% for photocatalytic water splitting
Authors: Luo Yi , Wang Sake , Shu Huabing , Chou Jyh-Pin , Ren Kai , Yu Jin , Sun Minglei
Published: September 2020

We propose a novel van der Waals (vdW) heterostructure composed of MoSSe and blue phosphorene (BlueP) and investigate its structural, electronic, and optical properties by using first-principles calculations. We found that the MoSSe/BlueP vdW heterostructure exhibits robust stabilities, type-II band alignment, suitable band edge positions for water splitting, a large build-in electric field, and strong optical absorption for solar radiation, suggesing the potential of being an ideal photocatalyst for water splitting. Remarkably, it also possesses an excellent power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 12.9%. By applying biaxial tensile strains, this value can be further enhanced: the maximum PCE of 19.9% can be obtained under a 2% tensile strain. Our results are useful for designing high-efficiency photocatalysts for water splitting.
A piezoelectric energy harvesting concept for an energy-autonomous instrumented total hip replacement
Authors: Lange Hans-E , Hohlfeld Dennis , Bader Rainer , Kluess Daniel
Published: September 2020

To improve the clinical outcome of total hip replacements (THRs), instrumented implants with sensory functions for implant monitoring and diagnostics or actuators for therapeutic measures are a promising approach. Therefore, an adequate energy source is needed. Batteries and external power supplies bring shortcomings e.g. limited lifetime or dependency on external equipment. Energy harvesting has the clear benefit of providing continuous and independent power for fully autonomous implants. Our present study evaluates by means of finite element analysis (FEA) the capabilities of a concept of a piezoelectric energy harvesting system (ring shaped multilayer piezoelectric element of 5 mm diameter and 2.5 mm height) integrated in a femoral hip stem. The deformations from a modified load-bearing implant are used to generate electric power for various instrumentation purposes. Besides the expected amount of converted energy, the influence on the stress distribution of the instrumented implant is analysed. The results show that the local stress increase for the modified implant geometry does not exceed the stress of the original reference model. The maximum generated open circuit voltage of 11.9 V can be processed in standard energy harvesting circuitry whereas an average power output amounts up to 8.1 µW. In order to increase the electric power in an upcoming design optimization, a sensitivity analysis is performed to identify the most important influencing parameters with regard to power output and implant safety.
Estimating the power spectrum of a discrete cosmic momentum field with fast Fourier transform
Authors: Pan Jun
Published: September 2020

Fast Fourier transform based estimators are formulated for measuring momentum power spectra, including the auto power spectra of the momentum, the momentum divergence, and the cross spectrum of density fluctuation and momentum divergence. Algorithms using the third order Bettle-Lemarié scaling function to assign discrete objects to regular grids for fast Fourier transform are proposed to clean alias effects. Numerical experiments prove that the implementation can achieve sub-percent precision till close to the Nyquist frequency. The impact of removing bulk flow on the estimation of momentum power spectra is derived theoretically and verified numerically. Subtracting bulk flow has little effects at large scales but might induce meaningful differences in nonlinear regime, and probably it is not necessary to subtract bulk flow for samples which peculiar velocities are exact or sufficiently accurate. Momentum power spectra of dark matter samples fromN-body simulation aremeasured and discussed. As expected, the prediction of the one loop Eulerian perturbation theory agrees with simulation only slightly better than the linear theory at z = 0, but can be applied to higher redshift with improved accuracy. Measurements of simulation data and the one loop Eulerian theory both reveal that the momentum field contains strong rotational part, and there is a large stochastic component in the divergence of momentum which is not correlated with the density field. The three kinds of momentum power spectra have their own characteristics.
Calibration and performance of the neutron detector onboard of the DAMPE mission
Authors: Huang Yong-Yi , Ma Tao , Yue Chuan , Zhang Yan , Cai Ming-Sheng , Chang Jin , Dong Tie-Kuang , Zhang Yong-Qiang
Published: September 2020

The DArk Matter Particle Explorer (DAMPE), one of the four space-based scientific missions within the framework of the Strategic Pioneer Program on Space Science of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, was successfully launched on 2015 Dec. 17 from Jiuquan launch center. One of the most important scientific goals of DAMPE is to search for evidence of dark matter indirectly by measuring the spectrum of high energy cosmic-ray electrons. The neutron detector, one of the four sub-payloads of DAMPE, is designed to distinguish high energy electrons from hadron background by measuring the secondary neutrons produced in the shower. In this paper, a comprehensive introduction of the neutron detector is presented, including the design, calibration and performance. The analysis with simulated data and flight data indicates a powerful proton rejection capability of the neutron detector, which plays an essential role for TeV electron identification of DAMPE.
A broadband digital receiving system with large dynamic range for solar radio observation
Authors: Yan Fa-Bao , Liu Yang , Xu Ke , Shang Zi-Qian , Su Yan-Rui , Lu Guang , Chen Yao , Wu Zhao
Published: September 2020

Solar radio spectra and their temporal evolution provide important clues to understand the energy release and electron acceleration process in the corona, and are commonly used to diagnose critical parameters such as the magnetic field strength. However, previous solar radio telescopes cannot provide high-quality data with complete frequency coverage. Aiming to develop a generalized solar radio observing system, in this study, we designed a digital receiving system that could capture solar radio bursts with a broad bandwidth and a large dynamic range. A dual-channel analog-to-digital converter (ADC) printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) with a sampling rate of 14-bit, 1.25 Giga samples per second (GSPS) cooperates with the field-programmable-gate-array (FPGA) chip XC7K410T in the design. This receiver could realize the real-time acquisition and preprocessing of high-speed data of up to 5 GB s−1, which ensures high time and spectral resolutions in observations. This receiver has been used in the solar radio spectrometer working in the frequency range of 35 to 40 GHz in Chashan Solar Observatory (CSO) established by Shandong University, and will be further developed and used in the solar radio interferometers. The full-power bandwidth of the PCBA in this receiving system could reach up to 1.5 GHz, and the performance parameters (DC–1.5 GHz) are obtained as follows: spur free dynamic range (SFDR) of 64.7–78.4 dB, signal-to-noise and distortion (SINAD) of 49.1–57.2 dB, and effective number of bits (ENOB) of > 7.86 bit. Based on the receiver that we designed, real-time solar microwave dynamic spectra have been acquired and more solar microwave bursts with fine spectral structures are hopeful to be detected in the coming solar maximum.
Weight-adjusted waist index reflects fat and muscle mass in the opposite direction in older adults
Authors: Kim Nam Hoon , Park Yousung , Kim Nan Hee , Kim Sin Gon
Published: September 2020

Background

Age-related changes in body composition include decreased muscle mass and preserved or increased fat mass. There is no anthropometric index to assess both muscle and fat mass.

Methods

Using a cross-sectional sample of 602 participants aged ≥65 years from the Ansan Geriatric study, we evaluated the association of weight-adjusted waist index (WWI) with muscle and fat mass and compared these with body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC). WWI was calculated as WC (cm) divided by the square root of body weight (kg). Body composition was measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and abdominal computed tomography.

Results

WWI positively correlated with total abdominal fat area (TFA) (r = 0.421, P < 0.001), visceral fat area (VFA) (r = 0.264, P < 0.001), and percentage of total tissue fat (r = 0.465, P < 0.001), but negatively correlated with appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) (r = −0.511, P < 0.001) and ASM/height2 (r = −0.324, P < 0.001). Mean ASM was highest in the first quartile of WWI (17.85 kg/m2) and showed a decreasing trend, with the lowest value in the fourth WWI quartile (13.21 kg/m2, P for trend <0.001). In contrast, mean TFA was lowest in the first quartile and highest in the fourth WWI quartile (P for trend <0.001). The probability of combined low muscle mass and high fat mass was >3× higher in the fourth WWI quartile than in the lowest quartile (odds ratio 3.22, 95% confidence interval 1.32–7.83).

Conclusions

WWI is an anthropometric index positively associated with fat mass and negatively associated with muscle mass in older adults.
The actions of resveratrol in decidualizing endometrium: acceleration or inhibition?†
Authors: Kuroda Keiji , Ochiai Asako , Brosens Jan J
Published: September 2020

Resveratrol, a natural polyphenolic compound, is widely studied for its anti-inflammatory and antisenescent properties. Recently, two studies reported seemingly conflicting findings on the actions of resveratrol on decidualization of human endometrial stromal cells (HESCs). One study by Ochiai et al. demonstrated that resveratrol inhibits decidual transformation of primary cultured HESCs. The other study by Mestre Citrinovitz et al., showed that resveratrol enhances decidualization of HESCs in culture. At a glance, the reason for these opposing observations seems puzzling. However, recent studies demonstrated that decidualization is a multistep process, which starts with an acute proinflammatory stress response that lasts for several days and is followed by the emergence of stress-resistant decidual cells as well as senescent decidual cells. The balance between these decidual subpopulations may determine if the cycling endometrium can successfully transition into the decidua of pregnancy upon embryo implantation. Here, we explore the importance of timing of drugs aimed at modulating the decidual response. We posit that resveratrol treatment during the initial proinflammatory decidual phase, i.e., coinciding with the implantation window in vivo, inhibits decidual transformation of the endometrium. However, when given after the initial phase, resveratrol may promote decidualization by inhibiting decidual senescence. Further, if restricted to the proliferative phase, resveratrol may promote ovarian function without adversely impacting on embryo implantation or decidualization. Thus, failure to align drug interventions with the correct phase of the menstrual cycle may negate beneficial clinical effects and results in adverse reproductive outcomes.
Hyaluronidase-based swim-up for semen selection in patients with human papillomavirus semen infection
Authors: De Toni Luca , Cosci Ilaria , Carosso Andrea , Barzon Luisa , Engl Bruno , Foresta Carlo , Garolla Andrea
Published: September 2020

Infection by human papillomavirus (HPV) represents one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases in both men and women worldwide. Recently, the detection of HPV virions in the semen of a large percentage of sexually active men has been associated with detrimental effects on both sperm parameters and on assisted reproductive technologies (ART) treatment outcomes. Conventional semen washing procedure used in ART have proved to be ineffective in removing HPV bound to sperm, requiring the identification of more effective and specific methods.

In the present study, we assessed the possible use of hyaluronidase for the detachment of HPV from sperm cell surface. Semen samples from five normozoospermic control subjects (CTRL) were incubated with HPV virus-like particles (HPV-VLP) and treated with hyaluronidase by both a modified swim-up procedure (M-SU) and single-cell approach (SCA). The treatment with hyaluronidase was associated with the complete loss of HPV-VLP signal on sperms by both M-SU and SCA. In addition, semen samples from 12 HPV-positive infertile patients were treated with hyaluronidase 80 IU/mL by M-SU, resulting in the complete loss of HPV-DNA signal from sperm surface.

Finally, the possible impact of hyaluronidase treatment on sperm parameters was assessed on both sperms from the five CTRL subjects and on further five oligo-astheno-terato-zoospermic (OAT) patients, both HPV negative. The treatment with hyaluronidase was equally associated with a slight reduction of sperm viability and progressive motility in both CTRL and OAT. In conclusion, the treatment with hyaluronidase removed efficiently and safely HPV virions bound to spermatozoa.
Enhancing Motor Brain Activity Improves Memory for Action Language: A tDCS Study
Authors: Vitale Francesca , Padrón Iván , Avenanti Alessio , de Vega Manuel
Published: September 2020

The embodied cognition approach to linguistic meaning posits that action language understanding is grounded in sensory–motor systems. However, evidence that the human motor cortex is necessary for action language memory is meager. To address this issue, in two groups of healthy individuals, we perturbed the left primary motor cortex (M1) by means of either anodal or cathodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), before participants had to memorize lists of manual action and attentional sentences. In each group, participants received sham and active tDCS in two separate sessions. Following anodal tDCS (a-tDCS), participants improved the recall of action sentences compared with sham tDCS. No similar effects were detected following cathodal tDCS (c-tDCS). Both a-tDCS and c-tDCS induced variable changes in motor excitability, as measured by motor-evoked potentials induced by transcranial magnetic stimulation. Remarkably, across groups, action-specific memory improvements were positively predicted by changes in motor excitability. We provide evidence that excitatory modulation of the motor cortex selectively improves performance in a task requiring comprehension and memory of action sentences. These findings indicate that M1 is necessary for accurate processing of linguistic meanings and thus provide causal evidence that high-order cognitive functions are grounded in the human motor system.
Incorporating Real-time Influenza Detection Into the Test-negative Design for Estimating Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness: The Real-time Test-negative Design (rtTND)
Authors: Feldstein Leora R , Self Wesley H , Ferdinands Jill M , Randolph Adrienne G , Aboodi Michael , Baughman Adrienne H , Brown Samuel M , Exline Matthew C , Files D Clark , Gibbs Kevin , Ginde Adit A , Gong Michelle N , Grijalva Carlos G , Halasa Natasha , Khan Akram , Lindsell Christopher J , Newhams Margaret , Peltan Ithan D , Prekker Matthew E , Rice Todd W , Shapiro Nathan I , Steingrub Jay , Talbot H Keipp , Halloran M Elizabeth , Patel Manish ,   Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness in the Critically Ill (IVY) Investigators and the Pediatric Intensive Care Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness (PICFLU-VE) Investigators, Kong Michele , Sanders Ronald C , Irby Katherine , Gaspers Mary , Markovitz Barry , Cvijanovich Natalie , Schwarz Adam , Mourani Peter , Maddux Aline , Martinez Schlurmann Natalia , Tarquinio Keiko , Coates Bria M , Sullivan Janice , Montgomery Vicki , Flori Heidi R , Hume Janet , Schuster Jennifer E , Cullimore Melissa , McCulloh Russell , Mahapatra Sidharth , Gertz Shira J , Nofziger Ryan , Shein Steven L , Hall Mark W , Thomas Neal , Weiss Scott L , Loftis Laura L , Englund Janet A , Smith Lincoln S
Published: September 2020

With rapid and accurate molecular influenza testing now widely available in clinical settings, influenza vaccine effectiveness (VE) studies can prospectively select participants for enrollment based on real-time results rather than enrolling all eligible patients regardless of influenza status, as in the traditional test-negative design (TND). Thus, we explore advantages and disadvantages of modifying the TND for estimating VE by using real-time, clinically available viral testing results paired with acute respiratory infection eligibility criteria for identifying influenza cases and test-negative controls prior to enrollment. This modification, which we have called the real-time test-negative design (rtTND), has the potential to improve influenza VE studies by optimizing the case-to-test-negative control ratio, more accurately classifying influenza status, improving study efficiency, reducing study cost, and increasing study power to adequately estimate VE. Important considerations for limiting biases in the rtTND include the need for comprehensive clinical influenza testing at study sites and accurate influenza tests.
Exit Pursued by Horace: Bears, Shakespeare, and the Classical Tradition
Authors: Kachuck Aaron J
Published: September 2020

This article puts the bear back in Horace, demonstrating the role bears have played from antiquity through the Renaissance as the great disruptor of the classical literary artefact, simplex et unum. The first section of the article treats bear’s place in ancient poetics. The second section exposes its role in Horace’s corpus, demonstrating how it instantiates both historical interpretive conflicts over one of Aristotle’s definition of the poet’s vocation and a wide range of Roman cultural and literary developments in the late first-century bce. The third and final section finds Horace’s bear stalking Renaissance artes poeticae and starring as the unstable genre-crossing centre of Shakespeare’s ‘The Winter’s Tale’ (1611). This article shows that Shakespeare’s bear has as much to do with the history of poetics (and the War of the Poets) as with the material history of stagecraft, which has often been the intriguing focus of scholarship on the bear. In addition to heightening our sense of the monstrous qualities of Augustan literature, and to troubling our notions about the classicism of classical literature, this article clarifies how classical poetics could function, in its own time and thereafter, as both analytic field and a literary genre sui generis.
Online estimation of DSGE models
Authors: Cai Michael , Del Negro Marco , Herbst Edward , Matlin Ethan , Sarfati Reca , Schorfheide Frank
Published: September 2020

This paper illustrates the usefulness of sequential Monte Carlo (SMC) methods in approximating dynamic stochastic general equilibrium (DSGE) model posterior distributions. We show how the tempering schedule can be chosen adaptively, document the accuracy and runtime benefits of generalized data tempering for ‘online’ estimation (that is, re-estimating a model as new data become available), and provide examples of multimodal posteriors that are well captured by SMC methods. We then use the online estimation of the DSGE model to compute pseudo-out-of-sample density forecasts and study the sensitivity of the predictive performance to changes in the prior distribution. We find that making priors less informative (compared with the benchmark priors used in the literature) by increasing the prior variance does not lead to a deterioration of forecast accuracy.
Do Parental Leaves Make the Motherhood Wage Penalty Worse?
Authors: Mari Gabriele , Cutuli Giorgio
Published: September 2020

We assess if and how motherhood wage penalties change in response to the design of parental leave regulations. Focusing on Germany, we compare sweeps of reforms inspired by opposite principles. One allowed for longer periods out of paid work in the 1990s, the other prompted quicker re-entry in the labour market in the late 2000s. These reforms may have first exacerbated and later mitigated wage losses for new mothers, albeit each component of leave schemes may trigger separate, and at times zero-sum, mechanisms. We rely on Socio-Economic Panel (SOEP) data and a difference-in-differences design. Focusing on first-time mothers, we find that motherhood wage penalties were substantial (around 20–30 per cent of pre-birth wages) and also changed little during the 1990s. As parental leave reform triggered longer time spent on leave coupled with better tenure accumulation, wage losses for mothers remained stable in this first period. Following parental leave reform in the late 2000s, instead, the wage prospects of first-time mothers improved, thanks in part to shorter work interruptions and increased work hours. We suggest that the nuts and bolts of leave schemes can be fine-tuned to reduce child penalties and, thus, gender wage disparities.