bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A symplectic indirect approach for a class of nonlinear optimal control problems of differential‐algebraic systems
Authors: Shi Boyang , Peng Haijun , Wang Xinwei , Zhong Wanxie , Gao Lingchong , Fottner Johannes
Published: February 2021

Differential‐algebraic equations (DAEs) can model constrained dynamical systems and processes from practical engineering. Therefore, research on nonlinear optimal control problems of DAEs is of theoretical significance for optimal control of constrained systems, which can generate reference trajectories and control inputs for online control strategies. In terms of the numerical solution of this type of problem, research on indirect numerical methods is still insufficient and less research focuses on symplectic‐preserving methods. In this article, a symplectic indirect approach is proposed for optimal control problems subject to index‐1 DAEs. Necessary conditions of the optimal control problem constitute a Hamiltonian boundary value problem (HBVP) and there exists a symplectic structure in the Hamiltonian system. In the proposed approach, based on specified properties of generating functions, discrete equations can preserve the symplectic structure of the Hamiltonian system. In the iterative solution, the Jacobian matrices of the discrete equations are sparse and symmetric, which are very significant to save memory and improve efficiency in practical computation. In numerical examples, the proposed approach can provide highly accurate state variables and control inputs with fewer iterations. More accurate cost functional can be obtained. Problems from the chemistry process also can be solved effectively, it verifies the problem‐solving ability of the proposed approach.
Finite‐time attitude tracking control and vibration suppression for flexible spacecraft
Authors: Zhu Wanwan , Zong Qun , Dou Liqian , Tian Bailing , Liu Wenjing
Published: February 2021

In this paper, an adaptive multivariable continuous terminal sliding mode (CTSM) controller with robust input shaper (RIS) is proposed for flexible spacecraft under model uncertainty and external disturbance. Firstly, for the problem of flexible vibration introduced by flexible appendage, the RIS based on disturbance observer is designed. The proposed input shaper can eliminate the flexible vibration effectively even if there are some disturbances in flight. Then, an adaptive multivariable CTSM controller is proposed for attitude tracking of flexible spacecraft, using only information about the output and its first derivative. The features of the developed methods are that it is continuous multivariable controller which attenuates the chattering effectively and the attitude tracking can be achieved in finite time. The stability and robustness properties of the system are proven using Lyapunov function. Finally, some numerical simulations are performed to validate the efficiency of the developed algorithm.
What to do about #MeToo? Consent, autonomy, and restorative justice: A case study
Authors: Sikka Tina
Published: February 2021

This article asks: Is it possible to craft a form of engaged, anti‐carceral, feminist political practice that carves out a space for sexual negotiation, exploration, sex positivity, and changing conceptions of consent in an era shaped by hypermediation and, for the purposes of this paper, #MeToo? Five British based academics working in the areas of sexuality studies, law, media studies, and sociology were interviewed on this topic so as to better understand contemporary scholarly attitudes and where current research stands. Each scholar was asked a series of questions around consent as a legal and normative regulator of sexual relations—including its drawbacks, their views on other models of consent—including communicative consent, embodied consent, sexual autonomy—the possibilities for alternative forms of justice, inclusive of prison abolition and restorative justice as they relate to sexual violence, and the kinds of feminism(s) they see developing from this.
Achieving Ultralow, Zero, and Inverted Tunneling Attenuation Coefficients in Molecular Wires with Extended Conjugation
Authors: Lee Hyun Ju , Cho Soo Jin , Kang Hungu , He Xin , Yoon Hyo Jae
Published: February 2021

Molecular tunnel junctions are organic devices miniaturized to the molecular scale. They serve as a versatile toolbox that can systematically examine charge transport behaviors at the atomic level. The electrical conductance of the molecular wire that bridges the two electrodes in a junction is significantly influenced by its chemical structure, and an intrinsically poor conductance is a major barrier for practical applications toward integrating individual molecules into electronic circuitry. Therefore, highly conjugated molecular wires are attractive as active components for the next‐generation electronic devices, owing to the narrow highest occupied molecular orbital–lowest occupied molecular orbital gaps provided by their extended π‐building blocks. This article aims to highlight the significance of highly conductive molecular wires in molecular electronics, the structures of which are inspired from conductive organic polymers, and presents a body of discussion on molecular wires exhibiting ultralow, zero, or inverted attenuation of tunneling probability at different lengths, along with future directions.
Endemic earliest Lochkovian species ofCaudicriodus(conodont) from southern Laurentia and the Silurian–Devonian boundary
Authors: Barrick James E. , Sundgren Joshua R. , McAdams Neo E.B.
Published: February 2021

TwoCaudicriodusspecies from lowermost Devonian strata in southern Laurentia (Texas–Oklahoma–Western Tennessee),C. anitaesp. nov. andC. murphyisp. nov., are endemic forms that appeared during the positive δ13C excursion associated with the Klonk Event. The otherCaudicriodusspecies that occur during the Klonk Event and that are often used to recognize the base of the Devonian,C. hesperiusandC. woschmidti, differ in that the I elements of the southern Laurentia species possess a middle row of nodes on the transverse ridges of the spindle. The apparatus ofC. murphyisp. nov. possesses three groups of elements in addition to the I element: F elements (short wide coniforms); D elements (denticles on the posterior margin) and C elements (slender coniforms with basally flaring costae). Strong provinciality in slightly younger LochkovianCaudicriodusspecies was demonstrated earlier, and we propose thatCaudicriodusspecies radiated independently into endemic species in different geographic regions just before or during the Klonk Event. A form originally described asC. woschmidti hesperiusby Simpson (1998) is reinterpreted as a late Ludlow–Pridoli species ofPraeicriodus, P. simpsonisp. nov., with an I element and apparatus structure probably ancestral toCaudicriodus.
Introduction: The Senses in Social Interaction
Authors: Gibson Will , vom Lehn Dirk
Published: February 2021

In this introduction, we provide the scholarly background that motivates the special issue and briefly discuss its content. We touch on contemporary debates in symbolic interactionism, ethnomethodology and conversation analysis, and anthropology that inform the research undertaken by the contributors. We conclude by deriving six interrelated themes—intersection, entwinement, multimodal, contextually embedded, structured, and serendipitous—from an examination of the articles.
Population genomic structure of Eurasian and African foxtail millet landrace accessions inferred from genotyping‐by‐sequencing
Authors: Hunt Harriet V. , Przelomska Natalia A. S. , Campana Michael G. , Cockram James , Bligh H. Frances J. , Kneale Catherine J. , Romanova Olga I. , Malinovskaya Elena V. , Jones Martin K.
Published: February 2021

Foxtail millet [Setaria italica (L.) P. Beauv.] is the second most important millet species globally and is adapted to cultivation in diverse environments. Like its wild progenitor, green foxtail [S. viridis (L.) P. Beauv.], it is a model species for C4 photosynthetic pathways and stress tolerance genes in related bioenergy crops. We addressed questions regarding the evolution and spread of foxtail millet through a population genomic study of landraces from across its cultivated range in Europe, Asia, and Africa. We sought to determine population genomic structure and the relationship of domesticated lineages relative to green foxtail. Further, we aimed to identify genes involved in environmental stress tolerance that have undergone differential selection between geographical and genetic groups. Foxtail millet landrace accessions (n = 328) and green foxtail accessions (n = 12) were sequenced by genotyping‐by‐sequencing (GBS). After filtering, 5,677 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were retained for the combined foxtail millet−green foxtail dataset and 5,020 for the foxtail millet dataset. We extended geographic coverage of green foxtail by including previously published GBS sequence tags, yielding a 4,515‐SNP dataset for phylogenetic reconstruction. All foxtail millet samples were monophyletic relative to green foxtail, suggesting a single origin of foxtail millet, although no group of foxtail millet was clearly the most ancestral. Four genetic clusters were found within foxtail millet, each with a distinctive geographical distribution. These results, together with archaeobotanical evidence, suggest plausible routes of spread of foxtail millet. Selection scans identified nine candidate genes potentially involved in environmental adaptations, particularly to novel climates encountered, as domesticated foxtail millet spread to new altitudes and latitudes.
Going Nuts for Words: Recommendations for Teaching Young Students Academic Vocabulary
Authors: Zucker Tricia A. , Cabell Sonia Q. , Pico Danielle L.
Published: February 2021

Developing young children's vocabulary is essential for later reading success; thus, early childhood classrooms require a comprehensive vocabulary approach that teaches academic vocabulary. Yet even providing young children with child‐friendly definitions of sophisticated words can be a challenge. First, the authors outline the components of a comprehensive vocabulary program for young children. Second, they review research evidence on the importance of direct vocabulary instruction and ways to increase children's word consciousness and interest in learning “amazing” academic words. Next, they turn to practical suggestions of ways to select and teach new vocabulary. They describe ways to increase word consciousness that extend excitement for word learning. Finally, they demonstrate that early childhood educators can improve the quantity and quality of their vocabulary instruction when using a comprehensive vocabulary program the features routine shared book reading, direct vocabulary instruction, and supports for word consciousness.
Comparison of liberal and goal‐directed fluid therapy after small intestinal surgery for strangulating lesions in horses
Authors: Giusto Gessica , Vercelli Cristina , Gandini Marco
Published: February 2021

Background: There are few guidelines for the appropriate mode of fluid administration during and after colic surgery, and is challenging to reach the right balance while avoiding overhydration. This study aimed to compare goal‐directed fluid therapy (GDFT) and ‘liberal’ fluid regimens (LFRs) in horses undergoing small intestinal surgery.

Methods: Eighteen horses subjected to small intestinal surgery were matched according to the surgical lesion, type of anastomosis, length of resection, and duration of clinical signs. Horses in the LFR group were administered intravenous (IV) fluids for at least 24 h. In the GDFT group, IV fluids were administered only when considered necessary based on clinical parameters. Postoperative reflux (POR), packed cell volume, total protein, heart rate, venous lactate level, complications, and long‐term survival rates were compared.

Results: Three horses in the LFR and one in the GDFT group developed POR. Horses in the GDFT group had a shorter time interval to first oral water intake and shorter hospitalisation time. Postoperative complication rates and survival were not different between groups.

Conclusion: Further studies are necessary to set guidelines for the evaluation of hydration status and to plan postoperative fluid administration; however, GDFT may be a valid alternative to liberal fluid therapy after colic surgery.
On the reinterpretation of non-resonant searches for Higgs boson pairs
Authors: Carvalho Alexandra , Goertz Florian , Mimasu Ken , Gouzevitch Maxime , Aggarwal Anamika
Published: February 2021

Abstract

The detection of production of a pair of Higgs bosons before the end of LHC operation would be a clear evidence of New Physics (NP). As searches for non-resonant production of Higgs pairs are being designed it is of particular importance to be able to conveniently present current experimental results in terms of limits in the most ‘model-independent’ fashion possible. To this end, in this article we provide an analytic parametrization of the differential Higgs-pair production at the LHC in the effective field theory (EFT) extension of the SM. It results from a fit to the theory prediction for the gg → hh cross section at the 13 TeV LHC. Subsequently the resulting formula is used for a reweighing technique that allows to recast exclusion bounds from ATLAS and CMS hh →$$ \gamma \gamma b\overline{b} $$
γγb

b
¯

searches to any point of the considered EFT parameter space. We demonstrate with a fast simulation of the LHC detectors that with this approach it is possible to cover the continuous EFT parameter space, taking correctly into account the efficiencies of signal selections, without the necessity of rerunning a large number of full detector simulations. Finally, the resulting exclusion bounds are confronted with several explicit models, such as setups with additional scalars, including 2HDM, vector-like fermions, and minimal composite Higgs models, which are mapped to the EFT.
Cofactors are Remnants of Life’s Origin and Early Evolution
Authors: Goldman Aaron D. , Kacar Betul
Published: February 2021

The RNA World is one of the most widely accepted hypotheses explaining the origin of the genetic system used by all organisms today. It proposes that the tripartite system of DNA, RNA, and proteins was preceded by one consisting solely of RNA, which both stored genetic information and performed the molecular functions encoded by that genetic information. Current research into a potential RNA World revolves around the catalytic properties of RNA-based enzymes, or ribozymes. Well before the discovery of ribozymes, Harold White proposed that evidence for a precursor RNA world could be found within modern proteins in the form of coenzymes, the majority of which contain nucleobases or nucleoside moieties, such as Coenzyme A and S-adenosyl methionine, or are themselves nucleotides, such as ATP and NADH (a dinucleotide). These coenzymes, White suggested, had been the catalytic active sites of ancient ribozymes, which transitioned to their current forms after the surrounding ribozyme scaffolds had been replaced by protein apoenzymes during the evolution of translation. Since its proposal four decades ago, this groundbreaking hypothesis has garnered support from several different research disciplines and motivated similar hypotheses about other classes of cofactors, most notably iron-sulfur cluster cofactors as remnants of the geochemical setting of the origin of life. Evidence from prebiotic geochemistry, ribozyme biochemistry, and evolutionary biology, increasingly supports these hypotheses. Certain coenzymes and cofactors may bridge modern biology with the past and can thus provide insights into the elusive and poorly-recorded period of the origin and early evolution of life.
Management impact of 18F-DCFPyL PET/CT in hormone-sensitive prostate cancer patients with biochemical recurrence after definitive treatment: a multicenter retrospective study
Authors: Meijer Dennie , van Leeuwen Pim J. , Oosterholt Pepijn M. J. , Bodar Yves J. L. , van der Poel Henk G. , Hendrikse N. Harry , Donswijk Maarten L. , Wondergem Maurits , Vellekoop Annelies E. , van Moorselaar R. Jeroen A. , Nieuwenhuijzen Jakko A. , Oprea-Lager Daniela E. , Vis André N.
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The aim of this study was to investigate whether an early, accurate identification of disease using 18F-DCFPyL PET/CT imaging resulted in a change of decision on treatment management, for individual patients with biochemically recurrent (BCR), hormone-sensitive prostate cancer.

Methods

In this retrospective study, a total of 253 patients with BCR who underwent restaging 18F-DCFPyL PET/CT were assessed. Two urologists specialized in uro-oncology were asked to formulate a preferred treatment for each patient before and after knowing the results of the 18F-DCFPyL PET/CT.

Results

Out of 253 patients, 191 (75%) underwent robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) as primary therapy, and 62 (25%) external beam radiation therapy (EBRT). In 103/253 cases (40.7%), a preferred treatment change based on the 18F-DCFPyL PET/CT findings was reported. In patients post-RARP, a positive 18F-DCFPyL PET/CT (OR 6.21; 95%CI 2.78–13.8; p < 0.001) and positive pathological lymph node status (pN1) (OR 2.96; 95%CI 1.15–7.60; p = 0.024) were significant predictors for an intended change of management, whereas a positive surgical margin (OR 0.42; 95%CI 0.20–0.88; p = 0.022) was inversely associated with an intended change of management.

Conclusion

In this study, we found a significant impact of 18F-DCFPyL PET/CT on the intended management of patients with biochemically recurrent hormone-sensitive prostate cancer. A positive 18F-DCFPyL PET/CT scan, positive pathological lymph node status, and a negative surgical margin status were significantly associated with increased odds of having a change of management based on 18F-DCFPyL PET/CT findings.
Chromosome Y pericentric heterochromatin is a primary target of HSF1 in male cells
Authors: Penin Jessica , Dufour Solenne , Faure Virginie , Fritah Sabrina , Seigneurin-Berny Daphné , Col Edwige , Verdel André , Vourc’h Claire
Published: February 2021

The heat shock factor 1 (HSF1)-dependent transcriptional activation of human pericentric heterochromatin in heat-shocked cells is the most striking example of transcriptional activation of heterochromatin. Until now, pericentric heterochromatin of chromosome 9 has been identified as the primary target of HSF1, in both normal and tumor heat-shocked cells. Transcriptional awakening of this large genomic region results in the nuclear accumulation of satellite III (SATIII) noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) and the formation in cis of specific structures known as nuclear stress bodies (nSBs). Here, we show that, in four different male cell lines, including primary human fibroblasts and amniocytes, pericentric heterochromatin of chromosome Y can also serve as a unique primary site of HSF1-dependent heterochromatin transcriptional activation, production of SATIII ncRNA, and nucleation of nuclear stress bodies (nSBs) upon heat shock. Our observation suggests that the chromosomal origin of SATIII transcripts in cells submitted to heat shock is not a determinant factor as such, but that transcription of SATIII repetitive units or the SATIII ncRNA molecules is the critical element of HSF1-dependent transcription activation of constitutive heterochromatin.
PERSEUS 24-month analysis: a prospective non-interventional study to assess the effectiveness of intravitreal aflibercept in routine clinical practice in Germany in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration
Authors: Eter Nicole , Hasanbasic Zoran , Keramas Georgios , Rech Christine , Sachs Helmut , Schilling Harald , Wachtlin Joachim , Wiedemann Peter , Framme Carsten ,   for the PERSEUS Study Group
Published: February 2021

Purpose

To evaluate the real-world effectiveness of intravitreal aflibercept injections in Germany in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration over 24 months.

Methods

PERSEUS was a prospective, non-interventional cohort study. The primary endpoint was the mean change in visual acuity (VA) from baseline. Secondary endpoints included the proportion of patients with a VA gain or loss of ≥ 15 letters and the frequency of injections and examinations. Patients with regular (bimonthly after 3 monthly injections during year 1 and ≥ 4 injections in year 2) and irregular (any other) treatment were analyzed. The last observation carried forward (LOCF) and the observed cases (OC) approach was applied for primary endpoint analysis to account for missing data.

Results

803 patients were considered for effectivity analysis. At month 24, only 38% of the patients were still under observation. The LOCF population included 727, the OC population 279 patients. Treatment-naïve patients improved by 6.3 (LOCF)/8.1 (OC) letters with regular treatment over 24 months but only by 3.3 (LOCF)/3.1 (OC) letters with irregular treatment. The proportion of treatment-naïve patients achieving a VA improvement of ≥ 15 letters was similar between regularly and irregularly treated cohorts. However, considerably more patients in the irregular cohorts experienced a VA worsening of ≥ 15 letters than in the regular cohorts (LOCF: 18.7% vs. 7.4%).

Conclusions

Regular IVT-AFL treatment resulted in better VA outcomes than irregular treatment at month 24. However, only a minority of patients received regular treatment over a 2-year period.
Phase transitions for a class of gradient fields
Authors: Buchholz Simon
Published: February 2021

We consider gradient fields on $${\mathbb {Z}}^d$$

Z

d

for potentials V that can be expressed as $$\begin{aligned} e^{-V(x)}=pe^{-\frac{qx^2}{2}}+(1-p)e^{-\frac{x^2}{2}}. \end{aligned}$$

e

-
V
(
x
)

=
p

e

-

q

x
2

2

+

(
1
-
p
)

e

-

x
2

2

.

This representation allows us to associate a random conductance type model to the gradient fields with zero tilt. We investigate this random conductance model and prove correlation inequalities, duality properties, and uniqueness of the Gibbs measure in certain regimes. We then show that there is a close relation between Gibbs measures of the random conductance model and gradient Gibbs measures with zero tilt for the potential V. Based on these results we can give a new proof for the non-uniqueness of ergodic zero-tilt gradient Gibbs measures in dimension 2. In contrast to the first proof of this result we rely on planar duality and do not use reflection positivity. Moreover, we show uniqueness of ergodic zero tilt gradient Gibbs measures for almost all values of p and q and, in dimension $$d\ge 4$$

d
≥
4

, for q close to one or for $$p(1-p)$$

p
(
1
-
p
)

sufficiently small.
Concentrations of cadmium, lead, arsenic, and some essential metals in wild boar from Sweden
Authors: Malmsten Anna , Dalin Anne-Marie , Pettersson Jean , Persson Sara
Published: February 2021

The wild boar (Sus scrofa) is becoming more common in Europe and has potential to be used as sentinel species for local contamination of heavy metals. Concentrations of nine trace elements (arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), lead (Pb), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), selenium (Se), and zinc (Zn)) were examined in kidney tissue of 104 female wild boars hunted at three sites in Sweden. The interrelationships between the trace elements and age dependency were investigated. Reproductive health was previously known to differ among animals at the different study sites, but could not be explained by heavy metal concentrations and no associations were found between heavy metals and reproductive parameters. Kidney concentrations of Cd (mean 4.16 mg/kg wet weight (w.w.), range 0.16–12.8) were higher than the permissible level for human consumption in 99.9% of the samples. Pb concentrations were generally intermediate or low (mean 0.14 mg/kg w.w., range 0.03–1.01) and exceeded the levels accepted for human consumption in 0.02% of the samples. Age class was significantly associated with the concentrations of Cd, Mg, and Mn. Concentrations of As were low (mean 0.02 mg/kg w.w., range <0.0001–0.08) and Cu and Se concentrations were within the ranges of suspected deficiency for 10% and 4% of the wild boars, respectively.
Enhanced pyrocatalysis of the pyroelectric BiFeO3/g-C3N4 heterostructure for dye decomposition driven by cold-hot temperature alternation
Authors: Chen Mingzi , Jia Yanmin , Li Huamei , Wu Zheng , Huang Tianyin , Zhang Hongfang
Published: February 2021

The BiFeO3/g-C3N4 heterostructure, which is fabricated via a simple mixing-calcining method, benefits the significant enhancement of the pyrocatalytic performance. With the growth of g-C3N4 content in the heterostructure pyrocatalysts from 0 to 25%, the decomposition ratio of Rhodamine B (RhB) dye after 18 cold-hot temperature fluctuation (25–65 °C) cycles increases at first and then decreases, reaching a maximum value of ∼94.2% at 10% while that of the pure BiFeO3 is ∼67.7%. The enhanced dye decomposition may be due to the generation of the internal electric field which strengthens the separation of the positive and negative carriers and further accelerates their migrations. The intermediate products in the pyrocatalytic reaction also have been detected and confirmed, which proves the key role of the pyroelectric effect in realizing the dye decomposition using BiFeO3/g-C3N4 heterostructure catalyst. The pyroelectric BiFeO3/g-C3N4 heterostructure shows the potential application in pyrocatalytically degrading dye wastewater.
Impact of the municipal merger on watershed management: a study of Lake Kasumigaura, Japan
Authors: Mizunoya Takeshi , Nozaki Noriko , Singh Rajeev Kumar
Published: February 2021

In the early 2000s, Japan instituted the Great Heisei Consolidation, a national strategy to promote large-scale municipal mergers. This study analyzes the impact that this strategy could have on watershed management. We select the Lake Kasumigaura Basin, the second largest lake in Japan, for the case study and construct a dynamic expanded input–output model to simulate the ecological system around the Lake, the socio-environmental changes over the period, and their mutual dependency for the period 2012–2020. In the model, we regulate and control the following water pollutants: total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and chemical oxygen demand. The results show that a trade-off between economic activity and the environment can be avoided within a specific range of pollution reduction, given that the prefectural government implements optimal water environment policies, assuming that other factors constraining economic growth exist. Additionally, municipal mergers are found to significantly reduce the budget required to improve the water environment, but merger budget efficiency varies nonlinearly with the reduction rate. Furthermore, despite the increase in financial efficiency from the merger, the efficiency of installing domestic wastewater treatment systems decreases drastically beyond a certain pollution reduction level and eventually reaches a limit. Further reductions require direct regulatory instruments in addition to economic policies, along with limiting the output of each industry. Most studies on municipal mergers apply a political, administrative, or financial perspective; few evaluate the quantitative impact of municipal mergers on the environment and environmental policy implications. This study addresses these gaps.
Lactose Intolerance—Old and New Knowledge on Pathophysiological Mechanisms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Authors: Catanzaro Roberto , Sciuto Morena , Marotta Francesco
Published: February 2021

Lactose intolerance is a pathology frequently encountered today. It occurs when the activity of lactase in the intestine is reduced or absent, with consequent failure to digest lactose. The global prevalence of this clinical condition is estimated of about 57% with instrumental methods, while the real prevalence exceeds 65%. The absence of lactase determines both the excessive osmotic load in the small intestine and the fermentation of lactose by the bacterial flora with consequent production of short-chain fatty acids and gas. This latter process is responsible for the onset of symptoms associated with lactose intolerance (abdominal pain, bloating, flatulence, etc.) which arise after the intake of lactose. Several studies have shown an increased risk of developing various pathologies for lactose-intolerant subjects (some types of cancer, osteoporosis, etc.). Therefore, it is essential to diagnose and properly treat this pathology. Various options exist for diagnosing lactose intolerance: Hydrogen Breath Test, genetic test, Quick Lactose Intolerant Test, Lactose Tolerance Test, Gaxilose Test. Like diagnostic methods, there are several options for treating intolerance. In addition to a food restriction, the use of exogenous enzymes and/or probiotic and the selection of milk containing specific types of beta-caseins less correlated to the appearance of gastrointestinal symptoms are very useful. The aim of this review is to illustrate the main and most modern diagnostic and therapeutic choices for lactose intolerance currently available.
Green energy technology from buriti (Mauritia flexuosa L. f.) for Brazilian agro-extractive communities
Authors: Guimarães Munique Gonçalves , Evaristo Rafael Benjamin Werneburg , de Mendonça Brasil Augusto César , Ghesti Grace Ferreira
Published: February 2021

The present work analyzed the energy generation potential of Buriti (Mauritia flexuosa L. f.) by thermochemical reactions. The experimental part of the study performed immediate analyses, elemental analyses, lignocellulosic analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, calorific values, and syn gas concentrations measurements of the gasification of Buriti in a fixed-bed reactor. Additionally, numerical simulations estimated the syn gas concentrations of the gasification reactions of Buriti. The immediate analysis showed that Buriti has the highest ash content (4.66%) and highest volatile matter content (85%) compared to other Brazilian biomass analyzed, but the higher heating value was only 18.28 MJ.kg−1. The elemental analysis revealed that the oxygen to carbon ratio was 0.51 while hydrogen to carbon ratio was 1.74, indicating a good thermal conversion efficiency. The Lignocellulosic analysis of Buriti resulted in a high content of holocellulose (69.64%), a lignin content of 28.21% and extractives content of 7.52%. The thermogravimetry of the Buriti indicated that the highest mass loss (51.92%) occurred in a temperature range between 150 °C and 370 °C. Lastly, the experimental gasification study in a fixed-bed updraft gasifier resulted in syn gas concentrations of 14.4% of CO, 11.5% of CO2and 17.5% of H2while the numerical simulation results confirmed an optimal equivalence ratio of 1.7 to maximize CO and H2concentrations. Therefore, based on the results presented by the present work, the gasification process is adequate to transform Buriti wastes into energy resources.

Graphic abstract
The Kv1.3 K+ channel in the immune system and its “precision pharmacology” using peptide toxins
Authors: Varga Zoltan , Tajti Gabor , Panyi Gyorgy
Published: February 2021

Since the discovery of the Kv1.3 voltage-gated K+ channel in human T cells in 1984, ion channels are considered crucial elements of the signal transduction machinery in the immune system. Our knowledge about Kv1.3 and its inhibitors is outstanding, motivated by their potential application in autoimmune diseases mediated by Kv1.3 overexpressing effector memory T cells (e.g., Multiple Sclerosis). High affinity Kv1.3 inhibitors are either small organic molecules (e.g., Pap-1) or peptides isolated from venomous animals. To date, the highest affinity Kv1.3 inhibitors with the best Kv1.3 selectivity are the engineered analogues of the sea anemone peptide ShK (e.g., ShK-186), the engineered scorpion toxin HsTx1[R14A] and the natural scorpion toxin Vm24. These peptides inhibit Kv1.3 in picomolar concentrations and are several thousand-fold selective for Kv1.3 over other biologically critical ion channels. Despite the significant progress in the field of Kv1.3 molecular pharmacology several progressive questions remain to be elucidated and discussed here. These include the conjugation of the peptides to carriers to increase the residency time of the peptides in the circulation (e.g., PEGylation and engineering the peptides into antibodies), use of rational drug design to create novel peptide inhibitors and understanding the potential off-target effects of Kv1.3 inhibition.
Disgust and preference for familiar brands
Authors: Donato Carmela
Published: February 2021

Disgust represents an undesired state that signals the presence of threats in the external environment, leading to a change in needs and motivations aimed at coping with the threats. The present research aims at studying the effects of disgust in a consumer setting, proposing that once disgusted consumers show an immediate avoidance for familiar (vs. unfamiliar) brands. However, this avoidant reaction is followed by an opposite response of preference for familiar (vs. unfamiliar) brands. Moreover, conversely to the immediate response of avoidance of familiar brands, the subsequent response of preference for familiar brands is even stronger in case the consumer is depleted, showing a more deliberative nature of that response. The proposed results contribute to both emotion and consumer research debates demonstrating how an externally induced emotion, as disgust, influences consumers’ brand choice over time. Moreover, the present findings offer interesting suggestions to brand managers and retailers in order to better promoting the commercialized brands.
Non-existence of patterns and gradient estimates in semilinear elliptic equations with Neumann boundary conditions
Authors: Nordmann Samuel
Published: February 2021

We call pattern any non-constant solution of a semilinear elliptic equation with Neumann boundary conditions. A classical theorem of Casten, Holland [20] and Matano [50] states that stable patterns do not exist in convex domains. In this article, we show that the assumptions of
convexity of the domain
and
stability of the pattern
in this theorem can be relaxed in several directions. In particular, we propose a general criterion for the non-existence of patterns, dealing with possibly non-convex domains and unstable patterns. Our results unfold the interplay between the geometry of the domain, the stability of patterns, and the

C^{1}

norm of the nonlinearity.

In addition, we establish several gradient estimates for the patterns of (1). We prove a general nonlinear Cacciopoli inequality (or an inverse Poincaré inequality), stating that the

L^{2}

-norm of the gradient of a solution is controlled by the

L^{2}

-norm of

f(u)

, with a constant that only depends on the domain. This inequality holds for non-homogeneous equations. We also give several flatness estimates.

Our approach relies on the introduction of what we call the
Robin-curvature Laplacian
. This operator is intrinsic to the domain and contains much information on how the geometry of the domain affects the shape of the solutions.

Finally, we extend our results to unbounded domains. It allows us to improve the results of our previous paper [54] and to extend some results on De Giorgi's conjecture to a larger class of domains.
Locke on the Motivation to Suspend Desire
Authors: Leisinger Matthew A.
Published: February 2021

This paper takes up two questions regarding Locke’s doctrine of suspension. First, what motivates suspension? Second, what are the conditions under which we are motivated to suspend? In response to the first question, I argue that suspension is motivated by the desire to avoid the possible future evils that might result from acting precipitately upon some desire without suspending. In response to the second question, I argue against the common assumption that the desire motivating suspension must be an agent’s most pressing desire.
Agility in the workplace: Conceptual analysis, contributing factors, and practical examples
Authors: Petermann Moritz K. H. , Zacher Hannes
Published: February 2021

Over the last few years, the concept of agility has become increasingly popular in organizations. Companies are hoping to foster speed, adaptability, and innovation by rolling out an agile strategy, implementing agile methods, and creating an agile mind-set among leaders and employees. There is, however, much ambiguity about what the concept of agility entails and how it can be successfully implemented in an organization. The purpose of this practice-focused paper is to organize the extant agility literature for readers by giving an overview of different definitions of agility; outlining evidence-based factors that contribute to agility at the individual, team, and organizational levels; and describing three practical examples at a large German car company. Finally, the authors suggest steps that organizations can take to increase agility in their workforce.
Patterns of aeolian deposition in subtropical Australia through the last glacial and deglacial periods
Authors: Lewis Richard J. , Tibby John , Arnold Lee J. , Gadd Patricia , Jacobsen Geraldine , Barr Cameron , Negus Peter M. , Mariani Michela , Penny Daniel , Chittleborough David , Moss Edward
Published: February 2021

Debate about the nature of climate and the magnitude of ecological change across Australia during the last glacial maximum (LGM; 26.5–19 ka) persists despite considerable research into the late Pleistocene. This is partly due to a lack of detailed paleoenvironmental records and reliable chronological frameworks. Geochemical and geochronological analyses of a 60 ka sedimentary record from Brown Lake, subtropical Queensland, are presented and considered in the context of climate-controlled environmental change. Optically stimulated luminescence dating of dune crests adjacent to prominent wetlands across North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) returned a mean age of 119.9 ± 10.6 ka; indicating relative dune stability soon after formation in Marine Isotope Stage 5. Synthesis of wetland sediment geochemistry across the island was used to identify dust accumulation and applied as an aridification proxy over the last glacial-interglacial cycle. A positive trend of dust deposition from ca. 50 ka was found with highest influx occurring leading into the LGM. Complexities of comparing sedimentary records and the need for robust age models are highlighted with local variation influencing the accumulation of exogenic material. An inter-site comparison suggests enhanced moisture stress regionally during the last glaciation and throughout the LGM, returning to a more positive moisture balance ca. 8 ka.
Chitosan and chitooligosaccharides attenuate soyabean meal-induced intestinal inflammation of turbot (Scophthalmus maximus): possible involvement of NF-кB, activator protein-1 and mitogen-activated protein kinases pathways
Authors: Gu Min , Pan Shihui , Li Qing , Qi Zezheng , Deng Wanzhen , Bai Nan
Published: February 2021

An 8-week feeding experiment was conducted to investigate and confront the putative functions of chitosan (CTS) and chitooligosaccharide (COS) in the growth and homoeostasis of distal intestine in juvenile turbots fed diets containing soyabean meal (SBM). Three isolipidic and isonitrogenous diets were formulated by supplemented basal diet (based on a 400 g/kg SBM) with 7·5 g/kg CTS or with 2·0 g/kg COS. Our results indicated that both CTS and COS supplementation could significantly improve (i) the growth performance and feed efficiency ratio; (ii) antioxidant activity driven by metabolic enzymes (i.e. catalase, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase); (iii) glutathione levels; (iv) acid phosphatase and lysozyme activity and (v) IgM content. As a result, these two particular prebiotics were able to significantly attenuate the histological alterations due to local inflammation as well as to decrease the transcriptional levels of proinflammatory cytokines (i.e. IL-1β, IL-8 and TNF-α) and major pathway effectors (i.e. activator protein-1 (AP-1), NF-кB, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, c-Jun N-terminal kinase and extracellular regulated kinase). High-throughput sequencing data indicated that dietary CTS and COS could significantly decrease the diversity of intestinal bacteria but elevate the relative abundances of Bacillus, Lactobacillus and Pseudomonas genera. Altogether, these findings suggest that CTS and COS can improve growth of turbot, enhance intestinal immune and anti-oxidant systems and promote the balance of intestinal microbiota. The protective effects, elicited by these two prebiotics, against SBM-induced inflammation could be attributed to their roles in alleviating the overexpression of inflammatory cytokines by possibly down-regulating NF-кB, AP-1 and/or mitogen-activated protein kinases pathways.
Population structure and reproductive performance in the sea anemone associated shrimp Ancylocaris brevicarpalis (Caridea: Palaemonidae)
Authors: Prakash Sanjeevi , Muthu Ampuli , Kumar Amit
Published: February 2021

The peacock-tail shrimp Ancylocaris brevicarpalis Schenkel, 1902, is an obligate symbiont of sea anemones and well known for its remarkable colouration. Yet, very little information is available about its population structure and life-history traits, including reproductive parameters (fecundity, embryo volume and reproductive output). A total of 574 individuals were collected from the Gulf of Mannar, Tamil Nadu, India between February 2017 and July 2018, out of which 214 were males (37.28%), 355 were females (61.84%), and 5 (0.87%) juveniles. The highest percentage of individuals were observed in the post-monsoon season (38.10%) followed by monsoon (34.85%), pre-monsoon (15.02%), and summer seasons (12.01%). The overall sex ratio was skewed towards female individuals (0.55 male: 1 female). Fecundity was higher in females carrying early-stage embryos and embryo volume did increase, but not statistically significantly from early to late stages. The reproductive output was negatively allometric to the mean female body weight. The present study provides first-of-its-kind information on the population as well as individual-level reproductive characteristics of A. brevicarpalis.
Genetic architecture of schizophrenia: a review of major advancements
Authors: Legge Sophie E. , Santoro Marcos L. , Periyasamy Sathish , Okewole Adeniran , Arsalan Arsalan , Kowalec Kaarina
Published: February 2021

Schizophrenia is a severe psychiatric disorder with high heritability. Consortia efforts and technological advancements have led to a substantial increase in knowledge of the genetic architecture of schizophrenia over the past decade. In this article, we provide an overview of the current understanding of the genetics of schizophrenia, outline remaining challenges, and summarise future directions of research. World-wide collaborations have resulted in genome-wide association studies (GWAS) in over 56 000 schizophrenia cases and 78 000 controls, which identified 176 distinct genetic loci. The latest GWAS from the Psychiatric Genetics Consortium, available as a pre-print, indicates that 270 distinct common genetic loci have now been associated with schizophrenia. Polygenic risk scores can currently explain around 7.7% of the variance in schizophrenia case-control status. Rare variant studies have implicated eight rare copy-number variants, and an increased burden of loss-of-function variants in SETD1A, as increasing the risk of schizophrenia. The latest exome sequencing study, available as a pre-print, implicates a burden of rare coding variants in a further nine genes. Gene-set analyses have demonstrated significant enrichment of both common and rare genetic variants associated with schizophrenia in synaptic pathways. To address current challenges, future genetic studies of schizophrenia need increased sample sizes from more diverse populations. Continued expansion of international collaboration will likely identify new genetic regions, improve fine-mapping to identify causal variants, and increase our understanding of the biology and mechanisms of schizophrenia.
‘I'm so ditching school to babysit.’
Authors: Stange Ulrike
Published: February 2021

This paper focuses on the use of preverbalsoin present-day English. While its use as an intensifier (meaning ‘so much’ or ‘very much’) has been attested already in Early Modern English (OED online, s.v.so, adv. and conj., sense 15), it has only recently acquired emphatic meaning (‘truly’ or ‘definitely’, seeOED online, s.v.so, adv. and conj., 2005 Draft Additions). Compare:

(1)

I do so love weddings. They're such joy. (SOAP YR2005)

(2)

I'm so ditching school to babysit. (SOAP AMC2007)

In (1),socan be paraphrased with ‘very much’ or ‘so much’ (I do love weddings very/so much), because it modifies scalarlove, indicating degree (viz. you can love weddings above anything else/ a lot/ a little/ not at all, etc.). This paraphrase does not work for (2), however: in this case,somodifies non-scalarditch, meaning that a degree reading is not accessible (either you ditch school at a given time or not).Soin Example (2) does not convey intensity but expresses the speaker's certainty that they are going to ditch school in order to babysit:I'm so ditching school to babysit –‘I am definitely ditching school to babysit’.
Clinical Comparison of Two Confrontation Naming Measures in Spanish-Speaking People with Epilepsy
Authors: Vo Willa P. , Bailey K. Chase , Zuverza-Chavarria Virginia , Nagele Marielle , Smith Jason A. D.
Published: February 2021

Objective:

Research on the lateralizing value of neuropsychological tests is limited among Latino people with epilepsy (PWE). This study aims to evaluate the utility of two confrontation naming measures in laterality determination.

Method:

Data were collected from 71 Latino PWE who completed the Vocabulario Sobre Dibujos (VSD) and the Pontón-Satz Modified Boston Naming Test (MBNT). Raw and standardized scores were examined to determine diagnostic accuracy for predicting left hemisphere (LH) epilepsy for the full sample and using a sample-specific median split of educational attainment.

Results:

The MBNT demonstrated adequate classification accuracy (65.7%, 77.1%) as did the VSD (54.3%, 74.3%) for predicting LH seizure laterality using raw and standardized scores, respectively. For participants with ≥ 9 years of education (HEdu), receiver operator characteristic curve analyses showed a raw/percentile cutoff of ≤ 26/≤ 5th on the VSD, yielding 53%–58% sensitivity/87%–83% specificity. A raw score cutoff of ≤ 17 on MBNT produced 47% sensitivity/78% specificity for HEdu participants.

Conclusions:

The VSD was found to have greater flexibility in determining cutoff scores using either raw or standardized scores for predicting seizure laterality. This study provides interpretation guidance, emphasizing education as a pertinent variable, to optimize lateralization accuracy for Latino PWE.
“Something Apart, Yet an Integral Part”: Duke Ellington's Harlem and the Nexus of Race and Nation
Authors: Matlin Daniel
Published: February 2021

Harlem loomed large in the imagination of Edward Kennedy “Duke” Ellington, one of the twentieth century's most significant composers and an important theorist of the condition of being black and American. This article provides insights into Ellington's social thought by foregrounding his evocations of Harlem and his efforts to interpolate that neighborhood into the physical, cultural, and imaginative spaces of US national life. In doing so, it also situates Ellington's ideas in relation to the competing intellectual currents of the Harlem Renaissance movement that had inspired his project of racial vindication. More broadly, the article argues that understanding of the history of African American ideas of race and nation benefits from analysis of discursive place-making and the spatial practices of artistic and intellectual work. Attending to space and place recuperates the complexity and multiplicity of such ideas, which are often concealed by abstracted discussion of concepts such as “integration.”