bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experiments and thermodynamic modelling on the blueschists in the Longmu Co‐Shuanghu Suture Zone, North Tibet: Estimation of the metamorphic conditions and implications for garnet stability in the subduction zone
Authors: Gong Neng , Che Xiao‐Chao , Yuan Guo‐Li , Wang Gen‐Hou , Tsunogae Toshiaki , Liu Zhi‐Bo
Published: December 2021

The pressure–temperature (P‐T) path of blueschist is usually applied to understanding the evolution of the subducted oceanic crust. Garnet plays a key role in calculating the metamorphic conditions, but sometimes it is absent in the blueschists. Nevertheless, the high‐P experimental simulation may serve as a useful tool to constrain the P‐T conditions. In the middle of the Longmu Co‐Shuanghu Suture, North Tibet, blueschist blocks embedded in the marble were discovered, where garnet is abundant in the core but absent in the marble‐contacting margin. These two kinds of blueschist contain similar mineral assemblage (glaucophane, epidote, and phengite) and show comparable basaltic character. Pseudosection modelling was applied to the garnet‐bearing blueschist that calculated the peak metamorphic condition of ca. 1.9 GPa and 530°C. As for the garnet‐absent blueschist, experiments (1.2–2.3 GPa and 500–800°C) were performed on the designed mixture of 93 wt% basalt and 7 wt% calcite. The results show that the total Fe content in the glaucophane and barroisite is positively correlated with the pressure but not with temperature, which could be regarded as a geobarometer. Accordingly, the peak condition was constrained at 2.3 GPa and 500–600°C. Therefore, the equivalent metamorphic conditions of the blueschists indicate that the Palaeo‐Tethys oceanic crust subducted into at least 70 km. Furthermore, both the experiments and the T‐X (CaCO3) pseudosection, constructed based on basaltic lithology, support that the absence of garnet in the blueschist is predominantly caused by the mixing of calcite. In summary, this study provides a valid attempt in exploring metamorphic conditions by experiment simulation, and evaluates the profound influence of the interaction between the basaltic crust and overlying carbonate‐bearing sediments in the subduction zone.
Justice, Bioethics, and Covid‐19
Authors: Kaebnick Gregory E.
Published: December 2021

Both articles in the November‐December 2021 issue of the Hastings Center Report reflect bioethics’ growing interest in questions of justice, or more generally, questions of how collective interests constrain individual interests. Hugh Desmond argues that human enhancement should be reconsidered in light of developments in the field of human evolution. Contemporary understandings in this area lead, he argues, to a new way of thinking about the ethics of enhancement—an approach that replaces personal autonomy with group benefit as the primary criterion for deciding what enhancements are acceptable. In the second article, Johannes Kniess considers the many attempts within bioethics to draw on John Rawls's work to discuss health care access and social determinants of health, and he comes across as moderately optimistic that Rawls's theory of justice has ongoing relevance.
A “Surprise” Health Policy Legislative Victory
Authors: Hall Mark A.
Published: December 2021

It was a happy surprise when, overcoming partisan divisions and interest‐group lobbying, Congress enacted the No Surprises Act, which bans unfair out‐of‐network “balance billing.” Although this is only a modest legislative victory, key efforts by the health policy community made a real difference in a time of legislative gridlock.
Divided Loyalties: Fire and ICE
Authors: Appel Jacob M.
Published: December 2021

This essay explores the challenges of dual loyalty in the emergency setting. The author, an emergency room psychiatrist, finds himself caring for a patient who has been detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for potential deportation under circumstances that the author finds unjust. He also recognizes that the patient's reported psychiatric symptoms are likely not of the nature or severity to justify a psychiatric admission that might forestall deportation. While the author has taught the subject of dual loyalty in medicine for many years, he struggles with the question of how to balance his duties to further his patient's welfare with his legal obligations to the state and the rule of law.
Considering People with Dementia and Their Caregivers in Covid‐19 Lockdowns
Authors: Viaña John Noel
Published: December 2021

Recent outbreaks in Australia and the detection of more virulent SARS‐CoV‐2 strains suggest that Covid‐19 is not yet over. In July 2021, three states in Australia were in lockdown as a result of community transmission of the Delta variant. Despite being effective at mitigating outbreaks, lockdowns could have adverse effects on the elderly and people with dementia. This commentary reviews general lockdown and aged‐care lockdown policies in Victoria, New South Wales, and South Australia and highlights how these could affect the well‐being of people with dementia and their caregivers. Drawing from literature on Covid‐19 and dementia, this commentary provides pragmatic recommendations on how to consider the well‐being of people with dementia and their care providers in Covid‐19 management policies.
In Service to Others: A New Evolutionary Perspective on Human Enhancement
Authors: Desmond Hugh
Published: December 2021

In enhancement ethics, evolutionary theory has been largely perceived as supporting liberal views on enhancement, in which decisions to enhance are predominantly regulated by the principle of individual autonomy. In this article, I critique this perception in light of recent scientific developments. Cultural evolutionary theory suggests a picture in which individual interests are entangled with community interests, and this undermines the applicability of the principle of autonomy. This is particularly relevant for enhancement ethics given how—I argue—decisions to enhance are often influenced by desires to increase social status. The service view on enhancement, based on principles of service and trust, offers, I propose, better guidance for the challenges of social living.
Regulating Gene Editing in the Wild: Building Regulatory Capacity to Incorporate Deliberative Democracy
Authors: Maschke Karen J. , Gusmano Michael K.
Published: December 2021

The release of genetically engineered organisms into the shared environment raises scientific, ethical, and societal issues. Using some form of democratic deliberation to provide the public with a voice on the policies that govern these technologies is important, but there has not been enough attention to how we should connect public deliberation to the existing regulatory process. Drawing on lessons from previous public deliberative efforts by U.S. federal agencies, we identify several practical issues that will need to be addressed if relevant federal agencies are to undertake public deliberative activities to inform decision‐making about gene editing in the wild. We argue that, while agencies may have institutional capacity to undertake public deliberative activities, there may not be sufficient political support for them to do so. Advocates of public deliberation need to make a stronger case to Congress about why federal agencies should be encouraged and supported to conduct public deliberations.
Envisioning Complex Futures: Collective Narratives and Reasoning in Deliberations over Gene Editing in the Wild
Authors: Wills Ben Curran , Gusmano Michael K. , Schlesinger Mark
Published: December 2021

The development of technologies for gene editing in the wild has the potential to generate tremendous benefit, but also raises important concerns. Using some form of public deliberation to inform decisions about the use of these technologies is appealing, but public deliberation about them will tend to fall back on various forms of heuristics to account for limited personal experience with these technologies. Deliberations are likely to involve narrative reasoning—or reasoning embedded within stories. These are used to help people discuss risks, processes, and fears that are otherwise difficult to convey. In this article, we identify three forms of collective narrative that are particularly relevant to debates about modifying genes in the wild. Our purpose is not to privilege any particular narrative, but to encourage people involved in deliberations to make these narratives transparent. Doing so can help guard against the way some narratives—referred to here as “crafted narratives”—may be manipulated by powerful elites and concentrated economic interests for their own strategic ends.
Diurnal cycle of surface energy fluxes in high mountain terrain: High‐resolution fully coupled atmosphere‐hydrology modelling and impact of lateral flow
Authors: Zhang Zhenyu , Arnault Joël , Laux Patrick , Ma Ning , Wei Jianhui , Kunstmann Harald
Published: December 2021

Water and energy fluxes are inextricably interlinked within the interface of the land surface and the atmosphere. In the regional earth system models, the lower boundary parameterization of land surface neglects lateral hydrological processes, which may inadequately depict the surface water and energy fluxes variations, thus affecting the simulated atmospheric system through land‐atmosphere feedbacks. Therefore, the main objective of this study is to evaluate the hydrologically enhanced regional climate modelling in order to represent the diurnal cycle of surface energy fluxes in high spatial and temporal resolution. In this study, the Weather Research and Forecasting model (WRF) and coupled WRF Hydrological modelling system (WRF‐Hydro) are applied in a high alpine catchment in Northeastern Tibetan Plateau, the headwater area of the Heihe River. By evaluating and intercomparing model results by both models, the role of lateral flow processes on the surface energy fluxes dynamics is investigated. The model evaluations suggest that both WRF and coupled WRF‐Hydro reasonably represent the diurnal variations of the near‐surface meteorological fields, surface energy fluxes and hourly partitioning of available energy. By incorporating additional lateral flow processes, the coupled WRF‐Hydro simulates higher surface soil moisture over the mountainous area, resulting in increased latent heat flux and decreased sensible heat flux of around 20–50 W/m2 in their diurnal peak values during summertime, although the net radiation and ground heat fluxes remain almost unchanged. The simulation results show that the diurnal cycle of surface energy fluxes follows the local terrain and vegetation features. This highlights the importance of consideration of lateral flow processes over areas with heterogeneous terrain and land surfaces.
Estimating the within‐subject (CVI) and between‐subject (CVG) biological variation of serum tryptase
Authors: Skarbø Birthe R. , Vinnes Erik W. , Wentzel‐Larsen Tore , Sylte Marit S. , Apelseth Torunn O.
Published: December 2021

Background

Tryptase is used as a biomarker to support the diagnosis of anaphylaxis and hematologic diseases. In the event of a mast cell activation during anaphylaxis, a temporary increase in the concentration of tryptase may be seen. On the basis of clinical studies, an increase of 2 µg/L + 20% from basis level has been proposed as significant. To evaluate the increase in tryptase levels, the within‐subject (CVI) and between‐subject (CVG) biological variations should be known. This study was conducted to estimate the biological variation of tryptase and to identify the reference change value (RCV).

Methods

Blood samples were collected from healthy volunteers once a week consecutively over a 10‐week period. Tryptase was measured by the use of a fluoroenzyme immunoassay (ImmunoCAPTM; Thermo Fisher Scientific), and linear mixed‐effects models were used to calculate the biological variation and RCV for both nontransformed and log‐transformed tryptase.

Results

Fourteen presumably healthy young adults (six males and eight females, age 23–35 years) were included. The CVI was 5.6% and the CVG was 31.5% (nontransformed data). Log‐transformed data showed similar results. The analytical variation (CVA) was 6.3% and the RCV was 23.5%.

Conclusions

Young healthy adults without ongoing allergic reactions show low within‐subject biological variation. Higher biological variation was observed between subjects.
Agreement between the short and long versions of the Resilience Scale: A validation among the obstetric population according to vulnerability status
Authors: Alves Anic C. , Cecatti Jose G. , Mayrink Jussara , Galvao Rafael B. , Costa Maria L. , Feitosa Francisco E. , Rocha Filho Edilberto A. , Leite Débora F. , Tedesco Ricardo P. , Santana Danielly S. , Fernandes Karayna G. , Miele Maria J. , Souza Joao P. , Souza Renato T. ,   for the MAES‐I Study Group
Published: December 2021

Objective

To compare the 14‐item Resilience Scale (RS‐14) and the original 25‐item scale (RS‐25) in the obstetric population, including vulnerable and non‐vulnerable women.

Methods

A Brazilian prospective cohort study was conducted of nulliparous singleton pregnant women from March 2018 to March 2020. Women who completed the RS‐25 at 27–29 weeks of pregnancy were included in the analysis. RS‐25 and RS‐14 scores were converted to comparable scales of 0–100. Medians, standard deviations, and centiles between versions were compared for the general, vulnerable, and non‐vulnerable populations. Correlation, concordance, and internal consistency and reliability analyses were performed. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

In total, 381 women who completed the RS‐25 were included. Medians of RS‐14 and RS‐25 scores were significantly different (73.4 and 70.8, respectively; P < 0.001), regardless of the vulnerability status. The RS‐14 showed a high correlation (Pearson´s correlation coefficient of −0.379 (P‐value < 0.001)), but no agreement (Pitman's test of difference in variance: r = 0.422; P < 0.001) with the RS‐25 version. RS‐14 showed high internal consistency and reliability with only one component (Variance of 59.82%, Cronbach’s Alpha 0.947).

Conclusion

The RS‐14 may overestimate the RS‐25 score and different domains may not be assessed by the short version. The psychometric properties of the RS‐14 and the clinical relevance of the variation between versions require further evaluation.
Low‐level EFCAB1 promoted progress by upregulated DNMT3B and could be as a potential biomarker in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Yang Xiang , Shi Wenjing , Huang Xiaolou , Hu Lijuan , Wang Junjun , Zhang Fan , Wang Yumin , Huang Kate
Published: December 2021

Background

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) incidence is on the rise. We found that EFCAB1 (EF‐Hand Calcium Binding Domain 1) was significantly downregulated in LUAD tissues, but the mechanism of EFCAB1 is unknown.

Methods

One hundred and two LUAD samples and corresponding NT samples were prospectively collected from patients at the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China, from August 2018 to August 2021.EFCAB1 expression was estimated in LUAD cells and tissues by qPCR. In‐vitro cytology assays were used to detect the role of EFCAB1 in LUAD cells.

Results

EFCAB1 expression level of LUAD was significantly lower than it's adjacent cancer tissues and that of LUAD with big tumor size (>2 cm) was significantly lower than that of small tumor size (≤2 cm) group. It shown that expression levels of EFCAB1 from A549, HCC827, PC9 were lowly expressed. The cell migration, invasion, colony formation, proliferation ability of EFCAB1 OE A549, PC9 were lower than that of EFCAB1 OE A549, PC9 NC group, while the apoptotic cells percentage of the EFCAB1 OE A549, PC9 group were significantly increased. We found that DNMT1 mRNA expression level of PC9 was higher than that of BEAS‐2B, while these of A549, HCC827 decreased. Compared with BEAS‐2B, DNMT3A mRNA expression level of PC9 increased. DNMT3B mRNA expression level of PC9, HCC827 were higher than these of BEAS‐2B.

Conclusion

The EFCAB1 mRNA in LUAD patients and cell lines were downregulated; EFCAB1 overexpression inhibited cell proliferation, migration, invasion, while promoted apoptosis. EFCAB1 was expected to become a biomarker of LUAD.
Association between tooth loss, chronic conditions, and common risk factors: Results from the 2019 Brazilian Health Survey
Authors: de Medeiros Tayse Caroline Cunha , Areas e Souza Alessandra , Prates Rodolfo Coelho , Chapple Iain , Steffens Joao Paulo
Published: December 2021

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between systemic non‐communicable diseases (NCDs; including lung, kidney, mental and cardiovascular diseases, arthritis, cancer and spinal problems), common risk factors, and tooth loss (TL), as an endpoint of prevalent oral NCDs (periodontitis and caries).

Methods

A total of 60,271 noninstitutionalized adults (≥30 years) were evaluated, using data from the 2019 Brazilian National Health Survey. Negative binomial regressions were performed, adjusting for sex, age, ethnicity, educational attainment, oral hygiene, risk factors for periodontitis and caries (diabetes, smoking, and a cariogenic diet). The dependent variable was TL expressed as a numerical value.

Results

Diabetes, current smoking and a frequent cariogenic diet were significantly associated with TL–Incidence Rate Ratio (IRR [95% CI]): 1.11 (1.08 to 1.14), 1.28 (1.25 to 1.31), and 0.97 (0.94 to 0.99), respectively. Significant associations were observed for TL and all assessed NCDs, except kidney diseases, cancer and musculoskeletal diseases related to work, with IRR ranging from 1.06 for hypertension and asthma to 1.16 for rheumatoid arthritis. Regular consumption (4 to 7 d/wk) of vegetables, fruits and beef; alcohol up to 8 doses/wk; and physical exercise were associated with a lower IRR for TL (P < 0.05). Obesity, but not overweight, was associated with increased TL (1.05 [1.03 to 1.07]). Smoking, hypertension, arthritis, other mental diseases and spinal problems further increased the IRR for TL in individuals with diabetes (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

We conclude that certain chronic systemic conditions are associated with TL in Brazilian adults. This is likely because of shared risk factors; however, causal associations cannot be examined in this cross‐sectional dataset.
Boundedness of fractional integral operators on Musielak–Orlicz Hardy spaces
Authors: Huy Duong Quoc , Ky Luong Dang
Published: December 2021

Let and let be Musielak–Orlicz functions such that , are Orlicz functions and , are Muckenhoupt weights. In this paper, we give the necessary and sufficient condition for the boundedness of the fractional integral operator from the Musielak–Orlicz Hardy space into the Musielak–Orlicz Hardy space . We also give the necessary and sufficient condition for the boundedness of from into the Musielak–Orlicz space . Our results generalize the main results in [5, 20, 21].
Identification of collective particle motion in a rotating drum using a graph community detection algorithm
Authors: Navakas Robertas , Džiugys Algis , Misiulis Edgaras , Skarbalius Gediminas
Published: December 2021

The discrete element method (DEM) is the method of choice in many cases of simulation and analysis of processes in granular matter, providing the data at the level of individual particles. In most applications and experiments, however, the bulk behavior is of interest; therefore, larger scale structures must be identified from the DEM simulation data. We present the method for detection of particle groups involved in collective motion based on network analysis. Knowing the positions and velocities of individual particles, a “velocity similarity graph” is built, where the graph vertices represent the particles. The vertex pairs are connected by the edge if the distance between the respective particles is small enough. The edge weight is calculated to be inversely proportional to the difference in the respective particle velocities, that is, the vertex pairs representing nearby particles having similar velocities are connected by edges of larger weight. If a group of particles moves in a coordinated matter, the particles in this group will have similar velocities; therefore, the corresponding vertices in the graph will be connected by edges of larger weight in the representing graph. Having produced the velocity similarity graph, identification of particle groups becomes equivalent to the problem of “community detection” in graph analysis. The algorithms and techniques developed for community detection in graphs can be thereby applied for identification of particle groups involved in coordinated motion in granular matter. We illustrate this approach by an example of granular media filled in a rotating cylinder.
Non‐Covalent Polymer Surface Modification of Cellulose Nanocrystals Using Block Copolymers
Authors: Torres‐Rocha Olga Lidia , Campbell Sophie , Woodcock Nicole , Pinaud Julien , Lacroix‐Desmazes Patrick , Champagne Pascale , Cunningham Michael F.
Published: December 2021

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) possess desirable mechanical and optical properties that make them a candidate in the development of the next generation of polymer‐based composites. However, CNC also have a critical issue associated with their use: their hydrophilicity and incompatibility with hydrophobic polymers. CNC surface properties must be modified for them to be successfully implemented by the industrial sector. Grafting (co)polymers chains on the CNC surface can provide compatibility to CNC with hydrophobic matrices and expand their potential range of applications. In this communication preliminary results of a simple method to functionalize CNC surface are reported using block copolymers, where a cationic block anchors via complexation to the anionically charged CNC surface and the other block acts as a stabilizing block, providing dispersibility in various solvents. This is a much simpler and less expensive method than current routes based on covalent modification. The block copolymers poly(polyethylene glycol methacrylate)‐b‐poly(N‐butyl‐N′‐vinyl imidazolium bromide) (PPEGMA‐b‐PBuVIm) and poly(styrene)‐b‐PBuVIm (PS‐b‐PBuVIm) are first synthesized via nitroxide‐mediated polymerization and then non‐covalently adsorbed on the CNC surface. The functionalization has been confirmed via FT‐IR and TGA. The dispersion of polymer‐modified CNC materials in organic solvents is evaluated via dynamic light scattering. Modified CNC yielded stable dispersions in organic solvents.
NeuroMix—A single‐scan brain exam
Authors: Sprenger Tim , Kits Annika , Norbeck Ola , van Niekerk Adam , Berglund Johan , Rydén Henric , Avventi Enrico , Skare Stefan
Published: December 2021

Purpose

Implement a fast, motion‐robust pulse sequence that acquires T1‐weighted, T2‐weighted, T2*‐weighted, T2 fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery, and DWI data in one run with only one prescription and one prescan.

Methods

A software framework was developed that configures and runs several sequences in one main sequence. Based on that framework, the NeuroMix sequence was implemented, containing motion robust single‐shot sequences using EPI and fast spin echo (FSE) readouts (without EPI distortions). Optional multi‐shot sequences that provide better contrast, higher resolution, or isotropic resolution could also be run within the NeuroMix sequence. An optimized acquisition order was implemented that minimizes times where no data is acquired.

Results

NeuroMix is customizable and takes between 1:20 and 4 min for a full brain scan. A comparison with the predecessor EPIMix revealed significant improvements for T2‐weighted and T2 fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery, while taking only 8 s longer for a similar configuration. The optional contrasts were less motion robust but offered a significant increase in quality, detail, and contrast. Initial clinical scans on 1 pediatric and 1 adult patient showed encouraging image quality.

Conclusion

The single‐shot FSE readouts for T2‐weighted and T2 fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery and the optional multishot FSE and 3D‐EPI contrasts significantly increased diagnostic value compared with EPIMix, allowing NeuroMix to be considered as a standalone brain MRI application.
Adsorption in a phase field model for wetting
Authors: Wolf Jana , Diewald Felix , Heier Michaela , Staubach Jens , Langenbach Kai , Hasse Hans , Müller Ralf
Published: December 2021

Surface wetting can be described by using phase field models [1]. In these models, often either the contact angle or the surface tensions between the solid and the fluid are prescribed directly on the wall in order to represent the solid‐fluid interaction. However, the interaction of the wall and the fluid are not strictly local. The influence of the wall, which can be described by wall potentials [2], reaches out into the fluid, which is the reason for the formation of adsorbate layers. The investigation shows how such a wall potential can be included into a phase field model of wetting. It is found that by considering this energy contribution, the model is able to capture the adsorbate layer.
Molecular dissection of a dedicated formaldehyde dehydrogenase from Mycobacterium smegmatis
Authors: Wani Saloni Rajesh , Jain Vikas
Published: December 2021

Accumulation of formaldehyde, a highly reactive molecule, in the cell is toxic, and requires detoxification for the organism's survival. Mycothiol‐dependent formaldehyde dehydrogenase or S‐nitrosomycothiol reductase (MscR) from Mycobacterium smegmatis and Mycobacterium tuberculosis was previously known for detoxifying formaldehyde and protecting the cell against nitrosative stress. We here show that M. smegmatis MscR exhibits a mycothiol‐independent formaldehyde dehydrogenase (FDH) activity in vitro. Presence of zinc in the reaction enhances MscR activity, thus making it a zinc‐dependent FDH. Interestingly, MscR utilizes only formaldehyde and no other primary aldehydes as its substrate in vitro, and M. smegmatis lacking mscR (ΔmscR) shows sensitivity exclusively toward formaldehyde. Bioinformatics analysis of MscRs from various bacteria reveals 10 positionally conserved cysteines, whose importance in structural stability and biological activity is not yet investigated. To explore the significance of these cysteines, we generated MscR single Cys variants by systematically replacing each cysteine with serine. All of the Cys variants except C39S and C309S are unable to show a complete rescue of ΔmscR on formaldehyde, show a significant loss of enzymatic activity in vitro, pronounced structural alterations as probed by circular dichroism, and loss of homotetramerization on size exclusion chromatography. Our data thus reveal the importance of intact cysteines in the structural stability and biological activity of MscR, which is a dedicated FDH in M. smegmatis, and shows ~84% identity with M. tuberculosis MscR. We believe that this knowledge will further help in the development of FDH as a potential drug target against M. tuberculosis infections.
Progress of Reliability and Failure Mechanisms for GaN‐Based Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Zhao Lixia , Liu Liang , Qi Peiyue
Published: December 2021

To achieve high reliable GaN‐based LEDs with a controllable lifetime is one of the key issues for applications. In this review, an overview of reliability studies for different GaN‐based LEDs, especially the research progress in our group based on our specially designed in situ multifunctional highly accelerated aging test system over the past few years, is presented. The contents not only cover high‐power GaN‐based LEDs, mid‐power GaN‐based LEDs, deep UV GaN‐based LEDs, micro‐LEDs, and phosphors under different operating conditions but also include the influence of point defects on the degradation, the correlation between luminous flux and color quality, and so on. Finally, prospects for reliability are discussed with the further development of the GaN‐based devices.
Klein's supplementary runs rules on X¯$\overline{X}$ chart to control the mean of a Weibull random variable
Authors: Ho Linda Lee , Quinino Roberto Costa , Fernandes Fidel Henrique , Bourguignon Marcelo
Published: December 2021

Most of the papers found in the literature concerned monitoring a process mean of a quality characteristic normally distributed. However, in several practical situations (like in reliability studies), the engineering team also desires to monitor a process mean in which the quality characteristic follows other probabilistic distributions, such as the Weibull. In this paper, we monitor a process mean of a random variable following a Weibull distribution using the traditional control chart. To improve the performance, Klein's two of two supplementary run rule is included in the chart. Such adoption promotes better performance, producing faster signals of abnormal situations (in terms of average run length) than the traditional chart in a great variety of shifts. An empirical example illustrates the proposed scheme.
Independent sets in hypergraphs omitting an intersection
Authors: Bohman Tom , Liu Xizhi , Mubayi Dhruv
Published: December 2021

A k‐uniform hypergraph with n vertices is an ‐omitting system if it has no two edges with intersection size . If in addition it has no two edges with intersection size greater than , then it is an ‐system. Rödl and Šiňajová proved a sharp lower bound for the independence number of ‐systems. We consider the same question for ‐omitting systems. Our proofs use adaptations of the random greedy independent set algorithm, and pseudorandom graphs. We also prove related results where we forbid more than two edges with a prescribed common intersection size leading to some applications in Ramsey theory. For example, we obtain good bounds for the Ramsey number , where F is the k‐uniform Fan. The behavior is quite different than the case which is the classical Ramsey number .
Experimentation, planning, and structure in early‐stage ventures: Evidence from pitch decks
Authors: Contigiani Andrea , Young‐Hyman Trevor
Published: December 2021

Research Summary

An important strategic choice for early‐stage ventures is about how to learn about the market. This choice often translates into focusing on either experimentation or planning. These strategies are best supported by different structures. Hence, the fit between strategy and structure should be considered by stakeholders evaluating the venture. We hypothesize that communicating coherent combinations—experimentation and informal structure or planning and formal structure—is positively associated with evaluation and that evaluators with entrepreneurial experience are more sensitive to this coherent choice. We test this argument combining data from a university‐based venture competition and an online experiment. We find a robust positive correlation between coherent choice and evaluation. We find no clear evidence that this pattern is driven by evaluators with entrepreneurial experience.

Managerial Summary

The Lean Startup suggests that entrepreneurs should rely on experimentation rather than the more traditional planning approach. However, the value of experimentation might depend on the structure the venture adopts. We ask whether the fit between strategy and structure plays a role in the context of venture evaluation. We analyze data from a university‐based venture competition and an online experiment. We find evidence that ventures communicating coherent choices—experimentation and informal structure or planning and formal structure—tend to be evaluated better than those communicating alternative choices. However, contrary to our expectation, this pattern does not appear to be driven by evaluators with entrepreneurial experience.
Bayesian optimality and intervals for Stein‐type estimates
Authors: Ye Lingbo , Rice Kenneth
Published: December 2021

We provide a novel Bayesian decision‐theoretic motivation for Stein‐type estimates, producing them as an adaptive choice between standard point estimation and estimation that rewards proximity to the origin. Unlike conventional approaches, our arguments provide shrunken estimates under any sampling model or prior. They also lead naturally to a form of credible interval, describing uncertainty about the underlying parameters yet focusing on the shrunken estimate. One specific method for constructing intervals provides a close Bayesian analogue of Samworth (2005)'s approximate confidence intervals around Stein estimates. Several examples are given, showing how shrinkage's focus on regions remote to the high‐support areas of the posterior can lead to substantially larger credible sets.
Prototype test of the mechanical behavior and failure mechanism of segment structure with distributed mortises and tenons
Authors: Liu Xun , Feng Kun , He Chuan , Zhao Lixiang
Published: December 2021

Reinforcement measures are often employed to control the dislocation and joint opening between shield tunnel rings with large diameters. A full‐scale test were conducted on staggered assembly of segmental linings with three distributed mortises and tenons. The variations and characteristics of structural deformation, dislocation, and joint opening, were examined, and the failure mechanism and crack development of the structure were analyzed. The results indicate that (1) the structural deformation experiences slow linear and nonlinear increases when the reinforcement of the side ring is elastic and plastic, respectively; (2) the deformation between rings initially manifests as a dislocation, and the friction of the contact surface causes interaction between the rings. After the contact between a mortise and tenon, the deformation between the rings manifests as a rotational opening. The longitudinal bolt bears bending moments, whereas the mortise and tenon bear shear forces; (3) the initial crack of the segmental linings occurs at the edge of the side ring arch. The reinforcement attains plasticity causing the structure to lose stability and fail.
Integration of international competencies into systems engineering graduate programs
Authors: Marnewick Annlizé L. , Handley Holly A.H.
Published: December 2021

It has been widely acknowledged that systems engineers require international competencies to address global problems and participate in diverse teams to enable them to work with people who think differently and whose beliefs and culture might be different. However, practical approaches to build these competencies in graduate‐level systems engineering programs are few. This paper offers an approach to facilitate learning for the international competencies required to be a successful systems engineer in an international arena. Most systems engineers pursuing master's degrees are working full time and some are taking classes in a web‐based or distributed mode. This renders most of the methods suggested for teaching international competencies in undergraduate (or full‐time graduate) curriculums untenable, that is, requiring a second language, studying abroad, or other time‐intensive or location‐specific activity. The aim of this paper is to derive a model that provides a guideline on how to facilitate learning of the international competencies and support the competencies building process with the required flexibility expected of a graduate level learning program. The competency building model was derived from literature and piloted using a COVID‐19 case study; the case study is based on a typical systems engineering exercise combined with social learning aspects that initiate the development process of international competencies. The model provides an example of how some of the international competencies can be integrated into existing systems engineering curricula and the example case study illustrates a specific implementation for part‐time, graduate students. This research offers a transition from theory to application and identifies practical approaches to transfer international competencies to graduate students. As highlighted by literature and by the case study pilot, by facilitating exposure to different problem perspectives, as well as deliberate reflection and analysis during teaching interactions, these competencies can be built.
Economic Theories and Sustainable Development
Authors: Ditlev-Simonsen Caroline D.
Published: December 2021

In this chapter, I provide a brief introduction of some of the key economic theories, and how and to which extent they apply to sustainable development and corporate responsibility. How economics, international trade, organizations, tax, values, banks, governments, and so on work today can all be attributed to one or more of the economic theorists introduced in this chapter. Still, these theories were developed at the time when environmental challenges such as climate change and resource depletion were not pressing issues, and therefore not considered. I conclude with an overview of the key economists and philosophers who explicitly consider sustainability and corporate responsibility in their assessment of society and business. This chapter concludes with discussing new trends and theories capturing the sustainable element of business models.
Circular Economy: New Business Models
Authors: Ditlev-Simonsen Caroline D.
Published: December 2021

This chapter begins with an overview of the key challenges faced by society with a linear economy and proceeds to the concept of circular economy, its potential, and associated challenges. Key elements in circular economy will be addressed including issues like “refuse”, “reduce”, reuse”, “refurbish”, and “recycle”. I provide numerous examples to illustrate the different approaches in practice. The role of different stakeholders in the process of achieving a circular economy is discussed. Lastly, the transition from selling products to providing services is addressed.
Sunlight Glinting on Clouds: Deception and Autonomous Weapons Systems
Authors: Sharkey Amanda , Sharkey Noel
Published: December 2021

The art of deception has played a significant role in military conflict for centuries and has been discussed extensively. Yet there has been an absence in the literature of any scrutiny of the risks posed by the deception of Autonomous Weapons Systems (AWS). After explaining the nature of AWS, we overview reasons given in their favour and arguments against them. Examples of military deceptive strategies are considered, together with reflections on the nature of deception. The core of the paper is a technical examination of some of the ways that AWS could be deceived and the potential humanitarian consequences. Since AWS have, by definition, an absence of meaningful human control, any deception could remain hidden until too late. We conclude that awareness of the vulnerability of sensing and image processing systems of AWS to deception reinforces and strengthens the case against their development and use.
Symbol alphabets from tensor diagrams
Authors: Ren Lecheng , Spradlin Marcus , Volovich Anastasia
Published: December 2021

Abstract

We propose to use tensor diagrams and the Fomin-Pylyavskyy conjectures to explore the connection between symbol alphabets of n-particle amplitudes in planar $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 Yang-Mills theory and certain polytopes associated to the Grassmannian Gr(4, n). We show how to assign a web (a planar tensor diagram) to each facet of these polytopes. Webs with no inner loops are associated to cluster variables (rational symbol letters). For webs with a single inner loop we propose and explicitly evaluate an associated web series that contains information about algebraic symbol letters. In this manner we reproduce the results of previous analyses of n ≤ 8, and find that the polytope $$ {\mathcal{C}}^{\dagger}\left(4,9\right) $$

C
†

4
9

encodes all rational letters, and all square roots of the algebraic letters, of known nine-particle amplitudes.
Dark photon bounds in the dark EFT
Authors: Barducci Daniele , Bertuzzo Enrico , Grilli di Cortona Giovanni , Salla Gabriel M.
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Dark photons are massive abelian gauge bosons that interact with ordinary photons via a kinetic mixing with the hypercharge field strength tensor. This theory is probed by a variety of different experiments and limits are set on a combination of the dark photon mass and kinetic mixing parameter. These limits can however be strongly modified by the presence of additional heavy degrees of freedom. Using the framework of dark effective field theory, we study how robust are the current experimental bounds when these new states are present. We focus in particular on the possible existence of a dark dipole interaction between the Standard Model leptons and the dark photon. We show that, under certain assumptions, the presence of a dark dipole modifies existing supernovæ bounds for cut-off scales up to $$ \mathcal{O} $$
O
(10–100 TeV). On the other hand, terrestrial experiments, such as LSND and E137, can probe cut-off scales up to $$ \mathcal{O} $$
O
(3 TeV). For the latter experiment we highlight that the bound may extend down to vanishing kinetic mixing.
SU(N) gauge theories in 3+1 dimensions: glueball spectrum, string tensions and topology
Authors: Athenodorou Andreas , Teper Michael
Published: December 2021

Abstract

We calculate the low-lying glueball spectrum, several string tensions and some properties of topology and the running coupling for SU(N) lattice gauge theories in 3 + 1 dimensions. We do so for 2 ≤ N ≤ 12, using lattice simulations with the Wilson plaquette action, and for glueball states in all the representations of the cubic rotation group, for both values of parity and charge conjugation. We extrapolate these results to the continuum limit of each theory and then to N = ∞. For a number of these states we are able to identify their continuum spins with very little ambiguity. We calculate the fundamental string tension and k = 2 string tension and investigate the N dependence of the ratio. Using the string tension as the scale, we calculate the running of a lattice coupling and confirm that g2(a) ∝ 1/N for constant physics as N → ∞. We fit our calculated values of a√σ with the 3-loop β-function, and extract a value for $$ {\Lambda}_{\overline{MS}} $$

Λ

MS
¯

, in units of the string tension, for all our values of N, including SU(3). We use these fits to provide analytic formulae for estimating the string tension at a given lattice coupling. We calculate the topological charge Q for N ≤ 6 where it fluctuates sufficiently for a plausible estimate of the continuum topological susceptibility. We also calculate the renormalisation of the lattice topological charge, ZQ(β), for all our SU(N) gauge theories, using a standard definition of the charge, and we provide interpolating formulae, which may be useful in estimating the renormalisation of the lattice θ parameter. We provide quantitative results for how the topological charge ‘freezes’ with decreasing lattice spacing and with increasing N. Although we are able to show that within our typical errors our glueball and string tension results are insensitive to the freezing of Q at larger N and β, we choose to perform our calculations with a typical distribution of Q imposed upon the fields so as to further reduce any potential systematic errors.
Leaps and bounds towards scale separation
Authors: De Luca G. Bruno , Tomasiello Alessandro
Published: December 2021

Abstract

In a broad class of gravity theories, the equations of motion for vacuum compactifications give a curvature bound on the Ricci tensor minus a multiple of the Hessian of the warping function. Using results in so-called Bakry-Émery geometry, we put rigorous general bounds on the KK scale in gravity compactifications in terms of the reduced Planck mass or the internal diameter. We reexamine in this light the local behavior in type IIA for the class of supersymmetric solutions most promising for scale separation. We find that the local O6-plane behavior cannot be smoothed out as in other local examples; it generically turns into a formal partially smeared O4.
Die medizinische Habilitation an deutschen Hochschulen: ein Vergleich der Ordnungen über 23 Jahre
Authors: Sorg H. , Ehlers J. , Bagheri M. , Fuchs P. C. , Sorg C. G. G.
Published: December 2021

Hintergrund

Aufgrund der seit 2010 weiter gesunkenen Anzahl an Habilitationen in der Medizin könnten die generellen Anforderungen an die Habilitation im gleichen Zeitraum gestiegen sein.

Ziel der Arbeit

Die Anforderungen für eine medizinische Habilitation an deutschen Hochschulen im Vergleich von 23 Jahren werden reevaluiert.

Material und Methoden

Es erfolgte eine Analyse der Habilitationsordnungen auf 12 Zielparameter und Bewertung dieser durch ein Scoringsystem (Range 0–34 Punkte).

Ergebnisse

Lediglich das Kriterium der Promotionsvoraussetzung ist im 23-Jahres-Vergleich in der Bewertung gleichgeblieben (1998–2021). Alle Ergebnisse der anderen 11 Kriterien haben sich im Vergleich zur Voruntersuchung aus 2010 verändert. Die Bewertung der Habilitationsleistungen ist von einem Gesamtscore aus dem Jahr 1998 von 15,2 ± 5,1 (95 %-Konfidenzintervall 13,6–16,9) auf nun 25,1 ± 3,6 Punkte im Jahr 2021 gestiegen (95 %-Konfidenzintervall 23,9–26,2; p < 0,001). Die Range der vergebenen Scoringwerte ist im 11-Jahres-Vergleich wieder breiter gestreut mit Werten von 12 bis 31 Punkten. Als auffällig neues Kriterium zeigte sich, dass bei 98 % der bewerteten Habilitationsordnungen nun eine didaktische Weiterbildung in jedoch erheblich unterschiedlicher Anforderung von den Fakultäten gefordert wird.

Schlussfolgerung

Die Anforderungen an eine medizinische Habilitation sind im 23-Jahres-Vergleich weiter signifikant angestiegen mit jedoch breiterer Streuung der Scorings. Die detailliertere Beschreibung kann als direkter Hinweis auf eine Verbesserung der Transparenz angesehen werden. Die breitere Streuung zeigt hingegen, dass ein einheitlicher Bewertungsmaßstab für Deutschland wieder in die Ferne gerückt ist.
Long-term follow-up of full-thickness skin grafting in giant incisional hernia repair: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Holmdahl V. , Stark B. , Clay L. , Gunnarsson U. , Strigård K.
Published: December 2021

Purpose

Conventional repair of a giant incisional hernia often requires implantation of a synthetic mesh (SM). However, this surgical procedure can lead to discomfort, pain, and potentially serious complications. Full-thickness skin grafting (FTSG) could offer an alternative to SM, less prone to complications related to implantation of a foreign body in the abdominal wall. The aim of this study was to compare the use of FTSG to conventional SM in the repair of giant incisional hernia.

Methods

Patients with a giant incisional hernia (> 10 cm width) were randomised to repair with either FTSG or SM. 3-month and 1-year follow-ups have already been reported. A clinical follow-up was performed 3 years after repair, assessing potential complications and recurrence. SF-36, EQ-5D and VHPQ questionnaires were answered at 3 years and an average of 9 years (long-term follow-up) after surgery to assess the impact of the intervention on quality-of-life (QoL).

Results

Fifty-two patients were included. Five recurrences in the FTSG group and three in the SM group were noted at the clinical follow-up 3 years after surgery, but the difference was not significant (p = 0.313). No new procedure-related complication had occurred since the one-year follow-up. There were no relevant differences in QoL between the groups. However, there were significant improvemnts in both physical, emotional, and mental domains of the SF-36 questionnaire in both groups.

Conclusion

The results of this long-term follow-up together with the results from previous follow-ups indicate that autologous FTSG as reinforcement in giant incisional hernia repair is an alternative to conventional repair with SM.

Trial Registration

The study was registered August 10, 2011 at ClinicalTrials.gov (ID NCT01413412), retrospectively registered.