bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MHD two‐phase flow of Jeffrey fluid suspended with Hafnium and crystal particles: Analytical treatment
Authors: Nazeer Mubbashar , Hussain Farooq , Khan M. Ijaz , Shahzad Qasiar , Chu Yu‐Ming , Kadry Seifedine
Published: January 2021

This article offers a comparative investigation for Newtonian and non‐Newtonian multiphase flows drifting through an inclined channel. A non‐Newtonian Jeffrey fluid is used as the base fluid. However, Hafnium particles and crystal particles are considered to form two different kinds of two‐phase suspensions. Each flow comes under the influence of an external and transversely applied magnetic force. The effects of gravitational force have also been taken into account which is the main source of the supercritical flow. Flow dynamics are modeled with the help of Navier–Stokes. A closed‐form solution is achieved by invoking the analytical technique subject to, no‐slip condition at the boundary of the channel. A detailed parametric study, regarding the contribution of pertinent variables, is carried out in the graphical section. Furthermore, the obtained analytical and visual results have been vetted numerically through different tables, as well. The findings reveal that non‐Newtonian biphase flows are more significant than Newtonian biphase flows. Similarly, Jeffrey fluid is much suitable for multiphase flows and Hafnium particle suspension with Jeffrey fluid is much better than the one obtained by the crystal‐Jeffrey suspension. Finally, Hafnium suspends well with non‐Newtonian fluid. Such alloys are more suitable for mechanical purposes, particularly for nuclear reactors as coolants. In addition to this, no comparative analysis between Newtonian and non‐Newtonian multiphase flows has so far been reported in the existing literature.
Avapritinib in Patients With Advanced Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors Following at Least Three Prior Lines of Therapy
Authors: George Suzanne , Jones Robin L. , Bauer Sebastian , Kang Yoon-Koo , Schöffski Patrick , Eskens Ferry , Mir Olivier , Cassier Phillipe A. , Serrano Cesar , Tap William D. , Trent Jonathan , Rutkowski Piotr , Patel Shreyaskumar , Chawla Sant P. , Meiri Eval , Gordon Michael , Zhou Teresa , Roche Maria , Heinrich Micahel C. , Mehren Margaret
Published: January 2021

Background

Most gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) driven by KIT or platelet-derived growth factor receptor A (PDGFRA) mutations develop resistance to available tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) treatments. NAVIGATOR is a two-part, single-arm, dose escalation and expansion study designed to evaluate safety and antineoplastic activity of avapritinib, a selective, potent inhibitor of KIT and PDGFRA, in patients with unresectable or metastatic GIST.

Materials and Methods

Eligible patients were 18 years or older with histologically or cytologically confirmed unresectable GIST and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status ≤2 and initiated avapritinib at 300 mg or 400 mg once daily. Primary endpoints were safety in patients who initiated avapritinib at 300 mg or 400 mg once daily and overall response rate (ORR) in patients in the safety population with three or more previous lines of TKI therapy.

Results

As of November 16, 2018, in the safety population (n = 204), the most common adverse events (AEs) were nausea (131 [64%]), fatigue (113 [55%]), anemia (102 [50%]), cognitive effects (84 [41%]), and periorbital edema (83 [41%]); 17 (8%) patients discontinued due to treatment-related AEs, most frequently confusion, encephalopathy, and fatigue. ORR in response-evaluable patients with GIST harboring KIT or non-D842V PDGFRA mutations and with at least three prior therapies (n = 103) was 17% (95% confidence interval [CI], 10–25). Median duration of response was 10.2 months (95% CI, 7.2–10.2), and median progression-free survival was 3.7 months (95% CI, 2.8–4.6).

Conclusion

Avapritinib has manageable toxicity with meaningful clinical activity as fourth-line or later treatment in some patients with GIST with KIT or PDGFRA mutations.

Implications for Practice

In the NAVIGATOR trial, avapritinib, an inhibitor of KIT and platelet-derived growth factor receptor A tyrosine kinases, provided durable responses in a proportion of patients with advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) who had received three or more prior therapies. Avapritinib had a tolerable safety profile, with cognitive adverse events manageable with dose interruptions and modification in most cases. These findings indicate that avapritinib can elicit durable treatment responses in some patients with heavily pretreated GIST, for whom limited treatment options exist.
Actinomycotic osteomyelitis of the mandible with bone destruction: Two case reports with a review of the Japanese literatures
Authors: Yamamura Yoshiko , Kudo Yasusei , Kudoh Keiko , Miyamoto Youji
Published: January 2021

Mandibular actinomycosis, which is mainly caused by Actinomyces israelii, is characterized by trismus and multiple abscesses. The associated destruction of the jaw bone in cases of mandibular actinomycosis is rare. As the clinical symptoms and imaging findings of this disease are similar to those in malignant tumors, a biopsy should be performed at an early stage to facilitate a definitive diagnosis. To date, no studies have reported on the incidence and management of actinomycotic osteomyelitis. Here, we report two cases of actinomycotic osteomyelitis with bone destruction, and review the literature for similar cases that have been reported in Japan.
Effects of hygrothermal aging on chemical, physical, and mechanical properties of poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyvalerate)/Cloisite 30B bionanocomposite
Authors: Iggui Kahina , Kaci Mustapha , Le Moigne Nicolas , Bergeret Anne
Published: January 2021

Hygrothermal aging of neat poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) and PHBV filled with an organomodified montmorillonite (C30B) at 3wt. was investigated at 65°C and 100% relative humidity (RH) up to 100 days. FT‐IR data indicated that the carbonyl intensity index decreased with exposure time for both samples, while the main degradation mechanism occurred through hydrolysis reaction. This led to chain scissions resulting in a decrease in molar mass. Water absorption increased with exposure time for both neat PHBV and PHBV/C30B (3wt%) bionanocomposite. Differential scanning calorimetry measurements showed a decrease in both crystallinity index and melting temperature after hygrothermal aging and thermogravimetric analysis data indicated also a decrease in thermal stability. Mechanical and viscoelastic properties were also altered, being, however, more pronounced for the neat PHBV. Overall, the PHBV bionanocomposite exhibited a better resistance toward hygrothermal aging at 65°C and 100% RH.
A study on the fabrication and microwave shielding properties of PANI/C60 heterostructures
Authors: Lin Tengfei , Yu Haojie , Wang Li , Ma Qinghua , Huang Haiyu , Wang Li , Uddin Md Alim , Haq Fazal , Lemenovskiy Dmitry A.
Published: January 2021

The in‐situ chemical oxidative polymerization was introduced to prepare the composites of polyaniline/fullerene (PANI/C60) in this work. The effects of different reaction conditions such as the concentration of C60, the concentration of doping acids, the concentration of aniline (ANI), and the reaction temperature were investigated. The composites were characterized by FTIR, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscope, X‐ray diffraction, TGA, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and vector network analyzer measurements. The electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding properties were evaluated over the frequency range of 1.0–4.5 GHz, and it was found that the average total EMI SE was 23.01 dB with additional content of 50 wt% the optimized PANI/C60 composite powder, which contains ~97.26 wt% of PANI (mainly nanorods) and ~2.74 wt% of C60 in the paraffin wax matrix. The possible composites formation mechanism and EMI shielding mechanism for PANI/C60 composites were discussed. The relationship between the conductivities of the samples and the EM shielding performance was also investigated.
Effect of ultrasonic extrusion on properties of colloids and bio‐based nanocomposites containing epoxidized soybean oil and nanoclay
Authors: Liang Tian , Isayev Avraam I. , Zhang Shuailin , Cheng Stephen Z. D.
Published: January 2021

Colloid prepared with epoxidized soybean oil (ESO) and a nanoclay, organically modified montmorillonite (OMMT), has been processed using an ultrasonic twin‐screw extruder under various ultrasonic amplitudes and screw rotation speeds. Ultrasonic treatment has significantly increased OMMT dispersion in ESO, according to wide angle X‐ray diffraction and rheological data. Yield stress, storage and loss modulus, and complex viscosity and relaxation time of the colloid have been increased with increase of ultrasonic amplitude. Under certain high ultrasonic amplitudes, the increase of one to two orders of magnitude in the above‐mentioned properties of colloids has been observed. Creep and recoverable compliance have been decreased with the increase of ultrasonic amplitude. The tremendous changes in rheological properties of the colloid are a result of significantly improved OMMT dispersion with the aid of ultrasonic treatment. With no or low ultrasonic treatment, a higher screw rotation speed has improved OMMT dispersion since it brings more mixing effect. However, at high ultrasonic amplitudes, a higher rotation disrupts jet flow and has led to less dispersion improvement compared with the same colloid extruded at a lower rotation speed. Colloids extruded at 400 rpm were cured using triethylenetetramine to prepare bio‐based nanocomposites. The nanocomposite prepared using colloid treated at 13 μm shows improved tensile strength and modulus compared with the nanocomposite prepared using untreated colloid.
Psychosocial perceptions and executive functioning: Hope and school belonging predict students' executive functioning
Authors: Dixson Dante D. , Scalcucci Stefanie Gill
Published: January 2021

In a sample of 216 high school students, we explored the relationship between hope and school belonging to executive functioning (EF). This examination was carried out to better understand how these, and potentially other psychosocial factors, relate to the neurocognitive decision‐making process of adolescent students. This study had several findings. First, after controlling for demographics and previous achievement, hope and school belonging were found to account for about 26%–39% of EF's variance, a large effect size. Second, after the same controls, hope and school belonging accounted for about 13%–25% of all five subcomponents of EF, an effect size range of medium to large. Finally, in general, the pathways subcomponent of hope was a better predictor of EF than the agency subcomponent. These results provide insight into how EF interacts with school‐based perceptions as well as have implications for psychosocial intervention research within schools.
Crowdsourcing: Citizens as coproducers of public services
Authors: Liu Helen K.
Published: January 2021

Crowdsourcing serves as a distributed problem‐solving production model for modern governments, and it has the potential to transform citizens into coproducers of public services. To consolidate the theoretical basis, this article provides a typology for crowdsourcing public services based on theories of coproduction, public sector volunteerism, and government–citizen relations. This typology includes two dimensions—the policy stage, and the functionality of citizens' effort—and four types of crowdsourcing, namely, complementary crowdsourcing in service implementation, supplementary crowdsourcing in service implementation, complementary crowdsourcing in policy and service design, and supplementary crowdsourcing in policy design. Four cases are selected for illustration. Designing crowdsourcing based on citizen and government relationships will help designers align goals and tasks to the right coproducers and enhance relationships in a democratic way. Furthermore, this typology will allow the field to systematically and collectively build knowledge.
Feasibility and potential benefits of partner‐supported yoga on psychosocial and physical function among lung cancer patients
Authors: Sullivan Donald R. , Medysky Mary E. , Tyzik Anna L. , Dieckmann Nathan F. , Denfeld Quin E. , Winters‐Stone Kerri
Published: January 2021

Objective

Patients with lung cancer experience significant declines in psychosocial and physical function during and after treatment that impact quality of life (QOL) and survival. Yoga is a potential strategy to mitigate functional decline among patients with lung cancer.

Methods

A single group 12‐week pilot trial of low‐moderate intensity yoga among patients with stage I‐IV lung cancer and their partners (n = 46; 23 patient‐partner dyads) during cancer treatment from two hospital systems. Feasibility, acceptability, descriptive statistics, and Cohen d effect sizes were calculated at 6 and 12‐weeks for psychosocial and physical outcomes using validated questionnaires and assessments.

Results

At 6 and 12‐weeks, retention was 65% and withdrawals were mainly due to disease progression. Among study completers (n = 26; 13 dyads) adherence was 80%. Comparing baseline to 12‐week measurements, fatigue, depression symptoms, and sleep disturbance improved in 54% of participants for all three measures (Cohen's d = 0.40‒0.53). QOL improved in 77% of participants (Cohen's d = 0.34). Upper and lower body flexibility, and lower body strength improved in 92%, 85% and 77% of participants, respectively (Cohen's d = 0.39‒1.08). Six‐minute walk test improved in 62% of participants an average of 32 meters (SD = 11.3; Cohen's d = 0.17). No serious adverse events were reported.

Conclusions

Among patients with stage I‐IV lung cancer including active treatment, a 12‐week partner‐supported yoga program is feasible, acceptable, and improved psychosocial and physical function. Low‐intensity yoga may be a complimentary approach to reduce the effects of cancer treatment, however, more research is needed to determine the efficacy of partner‐supported yoga to mitigate functional decline.
Interplay between tau and α‐synuclein liquid–liquid phase separation
Authors: Siegert Anna , Rankovic Marija , Favretto Filippo , Ukmar‐Godec Tina , Strohäker Timo , Becker Stefan , Zweckstetter Markus
Published: January 2021

In Parkinson's disease with dementia, up to 50% of patients develop a high number of tau‐containing neurofibrillary tangles. Tau‐based pathologies may thus act synergistically with the α‐synuclein pathology to confer a worse prognosis. A better understanding of the relationship between the two distinct pathologies is therefore required. Liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS) of proteins has recently been shown to be important for protein aggregation involved in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, whereas tau phase separation has been linked to Alzheimer's disease. We therefore investigated the interaction of α‐synuclein with tau and its consequences on tau LLPS. We find α‐synuclein to have a low propensity for both, self‐coacervation and RNA‐mediated LLPS at pH 7.4. However, full‐length but not carboxy‐terminally truncated α‐synuclein efficiently partitions into tau/RNA droplets. We further demonstrate that Cdk2‐phosphorylation promotes the concentration of tau into RNA‐induced droplets, but at the same time decreases the amount of α‐synuclein inside the droplets. NMR spectroscopy reveals that the interaction of the carboxy‐terminal domain of α‐synuclein with the proline‐rich region P2 of tau is required for the recruitment of α‐synuclein into tau droplets. The combined data suggest that the concentration of α‐synuclein into tau‐associated condensates can contribute to synergistic aSyn/tau pathologies.
Undesired effects of relief systems concerns mitigations
Authors: Wakil Waheed
Published: January 2021

Process changes and lack of proper relief systems documentation are some reasons why relief systems may need to be revalidated during the life of a facility. When revalidating relief systems, concerns may be identified such as improper relief device size, high inlet or outlet pressure drop, or unprotected equipment. The solution is often more complicated than you may think. Without expert knowledge of the various recognized and generally accepted good engineering practices (RAGAGEP) related to relief systems, a seemingly simple fix may result in undesired consequences that may lead to a more dangerous situation than the previous design. This paper goes into some examples of undesired effects of relief systems changes, including negative effects on upstream or downstream equipment, effects of changes in relief device set pressure, effects of changes in relief device type, and effects of piping changes.
A Laser‐Processed Silicon Solar Cell with Photovoltaic Efficiency in the Infrared
Authors: Sánchez Maria Isabel , Delaporte Philippe , Spiegel Yohann , Franta Ben , Mazur Eric , Sarnet Thierry
Published: January 2021

Hyperdoped and textured silicon created with a femtosecond laser in the presence of SF6 gas has a highly absorbing surface with extended spectral sensitivity in the infrared. The main drawback of this micro‐ and nanostructured material for photovoltaic (PV) cells is an increase in charge‐carrier recombination at the surface due to the typically poor crystallinity of the surface layer. Laser annealing postprocessing of the black silicon (b‐Si) surface is used to greatly reduce the crystal structure defects while maintaining sub‐bandgap absorption. The back side of the cell is functionalized with spin‐on doping and laser fired contacts to make an interdigitated back‐contact proof‐of‐concept b‐Si solar cell. It is shown that this cell has measurable PV efficiency in the sub‐bandgap infrared, a promising step toward developing intermediate‐band silicon PVs.
Growth of Self‐Passivating Oxide Layers on Aluminum—Pressure and Temperature Dependence
Authors: Gorobez Jürgen , Maack Björn , Nilius Niklas
Published: January 2021

Optical transmission spectroscopy is used to monitor the in situ oxidation of granular aluminum films over a wide range of temperatures and pressures. By fitting the time evolution of the transmission to adequate geometric models, the rising transparency of the sample is converted into oxide growth during reaction. The observed oxidation rates increase steeply with temperature, but depend on pressure only below 100 mbar O2 and become pressure‐independent above. The Al oxidation proceeds in two regimes. The initial fast one is compatible with the Cabrera–Mott mechanism of an electric‐field‐driven process and self‐terminates at 1–2 nm oxide thickness depending on oxidation conditions. The subsequent slow regime exhibits a two times larger activation energy and is relevant only for high‐temperature oxidation. It is assigned to the thermally activated transport of Al ions through the emerging oxide layer. In contrast to the initial Cabrera–Mott process, it shows no self‐passivation and enables oxide thickening beyond 2 nm.
Structure and Magnetic Properties of Pulsed Electrodeposited Nickel–Indium Alloy
Authors: Thirugnanasambandan Sivaranjani , Thirugalathi Anbalagan Revathy , Saminathan Dhanavel , Joseyphus Raphael Justin , Vengidusamy Narayanan , Arumainathan Stephen
Published: January 2021

A nickel–indium (Ni–In) ferromagnetic alloy is successfully synthesized through a facile pulsed electrodeposition method. The composition, structure, and morphology are analyzed through atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and electron microscopy. The composition and structural analysis indicate fcc phase for the Ni43In57 and Ni63In37 alloys. The Ni–In alloy shows mixed phases when the Ni content is increased from 63 to 66 at%. Thermal analysis of the Ni63In37 results in an activation energy of 46 and 557 kJ mol−1 that can arise from the grain growth phenomena and phase transformation, respectively. Thermomagnetic studies show a Curie temperature of 340 °C for the Ni–In alloy with 63 at% Ni that also exhibits a saturation magnetization of 36 emu g−1.
Role of p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase signalling in virus replication and potential for developing broad spectrum antiviral drugs
Authors: Chander Yogesh , Kumar Ram , Khandelwal Nitin , Singh Namita , Shringi Brij Nandan , Barua Sanjay , Kumar Naveen
Published: January 2021

Mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKs) play a key role in complex cellular processes such as proliferation, development, differentiation, transformation and apoptosis. Mammals express at least four distinctly regulated groups of MAPKs which include extracellular signal‐related kinases (ERK)‐1/2, p38 proteins, Jun amino‐terminal kinases (JNK1/2/3) and ERK5. p38 MAPK is activated by a wide range of cellular stresses and modulates activity of several downstream kinases and transcription factors which are involved in regulating cytoskeleton remodeling, cell cycle modulation, inflammation, antiviral response and apoptosis. In viral infections, activation of cell signalling pathways is part of the cellular defense mechanism with the basic aim of inducing an antiviral state. However, viruses can exploit enhanced cell signalling activities to support various stages of their replication cycles. Kinase activity can be inhibited by small molecule chemical inhibitors, so one strategy to develop antiviral drugs is to target these cellular signalling pathways. In this review, we provide an overview on the current understanding of various cellular and viral events regulated by the p38 signalling pathway, with a special emphasis on targeting these events for antiviral drug development which might identify candidates with broad spectrum activity.
Learning‐based robust neuro‐control: A method to compute control Lyapunov functions
Authors: Rego Rosana C. B. , de Araújo Fábio M. U.
Published: January 2021

Nonlinear dynamical systems play a crucial role in control systems because, in practice, all the plants are nonlinear, and they are also a hopeful description of complex robot movements. To perform a control and stability analysis of a nonlinear system, usually, a Lyapunov function is used. In this article, we proposed a method to compute a control Lyapunov function (CLF) for nonlinear dynamics based on a learning robust neuro‐control strategy. The procedure uses a deep neural network architecture to generate control functions supported by the Lyapunov stability theory. An estimation of the region of attraction is produced for advanced stability analysis. We implemented two numerical examples to compare the performance of the proposed technique with some existing methods. The proposed method computes a CLF that provides the stabilizability of the systems and produced better solutions to nonlinear systems in the design of stable controls without linear approximations and in the presence of disturbances.
Recognition and operationalization of Future‐Scaffolding Skills: Results from an empirical study of a teaching–learning module on climate change and futures thinking
Authors: Levrini Olivia , Tasquier Giulia , Barelli Eleonora , Laherto Antti , Palmgren Elina , Branchetti Laura , Wilson Caitlin
Published: January 2021

This article takes its point of departure from the younger generation's problematic relationship with time and the future. A general sense of changeability and directionlessness in society compromises young people's confidence in themselves to make a difference as individuals in important global issues affecting their futures, such as climate change. Given recent aims and commitments of science education to promote sustainable development and student agency, this study explores how science teaching can help students imagine and face possible future scenarios and develop agency in the present to influence them. This article presents a science education approach to equip secondary school students with skills of futures thinking and agency that we call “future‐scaffolding skills.” It also shows the process of building an operational definition for recognizing those skills in students' discourse and actions. For this purpose, an empirical study was carried out in the context of a teaching–learning module on climate change, consisting of activities inspired by the field of futures studies. Essays, individual and group interviews, questionnaires, and video recordings of students' final projects were collected from 24 students (16–19‐years old) from three European countries. The results contribute to operationally defining “future‐scaffolding skills,” consisting of “structural skills” (the ability to recognize temporal, logical and causal relationships and build systemic views) and “dynamical skills” (the ability to navigate scenarios, relating local details to global views, past to present and future, and individual to collective actions).
Multidimensional trajectories for understanding ecosystems
Authors: Eberbach Catherine , Hmelo‐Silver Cindy E. , Jordan Rebecca , Taylor Joseph , Hunter Roberta
Published: January 2021

This study examines how middle school students develop an increasingly coherent understanding of aquatic ecosystems. As part of a broader design research study that used Structure‐Behavior‐Function (SBF) theory as an organizing conceptual representation, we created two instructional units that focused on pond and aquarium environments. We coded and analyzed 70 middle school students' drawings of aquatic environments collected before, during, and after a technology‐rich instructional intervention. Coding considered several relations between multiple system levels: Macro‐Micro (MM), Biotic‐Abiotic (BA), and SBF. Hierarchical Linear Modeling analysis was used to examine the relationship within and between levels. This suggested that students followed multidimensional trajectories toward an increasingly coherent understanding of aquatic ecosystems (i.e., separately across the MM, BA, and SBF dimensions). Even so, the ability to observe phenomena at multiple MM and BA levels may be an underlying constraint to observing integrated SBF relations and the development of a more coherent understanding of ecosystems. We discuss implications for instruction and the design of learning environments.
Influence of Nb as Microalloying Element on the Recovery and Recrystallization of Fe–25Mn–12Cr–C–N Twinning‐Induced Plasticity Steels
Authors: Suárez Sierra Adrianna , Rodríguez Baracaldo Rodolfo , Mujica Roncery Lais , Egels Gero , Theisen Werner
Published: January 2021

The influence of Nb on the microstructure during annealing at 950, 1000, and 1100 °C is analyzed in two types of twinning‐induced plasticity (TWIP) steels, Fe–25Mn–12Cr–C–N (TWIP‐0) and Fe–25Mn–12Cr–C–N–Nb (TWIP‐Nb). The addition of Nb as a microalloying element affects various phenomena taking place during annealing, namely, recrystallization, grain coarsening, and recovery processes. Microstructural characterization is conducted via light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and electron back scattering diffraction (EBSD). Recovery takes place after annealing at 950 °C, where remaining deformation and grain nucleation can be seen. Microstructural analyses indicate that the location of the recrystallization nuclei in the recovered structure is associated with the local chemical segregation of Mn and Cr, which leads to differences in the driving force for the martensitic transformation at microscale, and therefore local deformation mechanisms. The presence of Nb as a microalloying element decelerates recovery and recrystallization kinetics. At 1100 °C/10 min, both steels exhibit complete recrystallization; moreover, abnormal grain growth starts.
A fast algorithm for integrative community detection of multi‐layer networks
Authors: Wang Jiangzhou , Guo Jianhua , Liu Binghui
Published: January 2021

Multi‐layer networks are often used to represent multiple types of relationships between nodes in network studies. In this paper, we investigate the community detection problem in multi‐layer networks. Specifically, we consider the multi‐layer stochastic block model (MLSBM), which assumes that the community memberships are shared across all network layers, while other model parameters can be different between different layers. Variational methods have been developed to fit the MLSBM, but they do not scale well to very large networks. Inspired by the iterative pseudo‐likelihood maximization strategy for single networks, we develop a pseudo‐likelihood based algorithm to fit the MLSBM and estimate the community labels, and we also extend the proposed algorithm to the degree‐corrected case to deal with degree heterogeneity. The proposed algorithms are fast and can cope with multi‐layer networks with up to millions of nodes. The advantages of the proposed methods in both community detection and computational efficiency are demonstrated by numerical studies.
Detecting changes in mean in the presence of time‐varying autocovariance
Authors: McGonigle Euan T. , Killick Rebecca , Nunes Matthew A.
Published: January 2021

There has been much attention in recent years to the problem of detecting mean changes in a piecewise constant time series. Often, methods assume that the noise can be taken to be independent, identically distributed (IID), which in practice may not be a reasonable assumption. There is comparatively little work studying the problem of mean changepoint detection in time series with nontrivial autocovariance structure. In this article, we propose a likelihood‐based method using wavelets to detect changes in mean in time series that exhibit time‐varying autocovariance. Our proposed technique is shown to work well for time series with a variety of error structures via a simulation study, and we demonstrate its effectiveness on two data examples arising in economics.
Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy of biofluids: A practical approach
Authors: Theakstone Ashton G. , Rinaldi Christopher , Butler Holly J. , Cameron James M. , Confield Lily Rose , Rutherford Samantha H. , Sala Alexandra , Sangamnerkar Sayali , Baker Matthew J.
Published: January 2021

Biofluid spectroscopy is an emerging technology in the field of clinical investigation, providing a simple way to extract diagnostic and observational information from easy to acquire samples. Infrared spectroscopy is well suited to analyse a large range of biofluid samples, including blood and its derivatives, due to flexible sampling modes and high sensitivity to subtle biological changes. As the technology advances towards the clinic, factors influencing successful clinical translation are becoming apparent. Here, we provide a tutorial for effective biofluid spectroscopy study design, discussing sample and instrument parameters, as well as clinical considerations. The aim is to present the current understanding of clinical translation in the field of biofluid spectroscopy, and to facilitate other clinical applications to advance to the clinic.

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Content knowledge and social factors influence student moral reasoning about CRISPR/Cas9 in humans
Authors: Seiter Katie M. , Fuselier Linda
Published: January 2021

Consideration of socioscientific issues (SSIs) promotes the development of moral and sociocultural perspectives that encourage a rich understanding of the nature of science. The use of moral reasoning to approach SSIs is known to influence how students justify arguments and persuade others; less is known about how student moral reasoning is influenced by both content knowledge and demographic identities. We performed an exploratory study to investigate how students use moral reasoning when considering an SSI about the use of CRISPR/Cas9 technology for nonmedical enhancement in humans. Using content analysis, we examined written responses from 279 undergraduate students from three content knowledge levels and a variety of demographic populations (socioeconomic, gender, and first‐generation status). We identified instances of consequence and principle‐based moral reasoning and categorized commonly employed moral considerations under these broad themes. Students opposed nonmedical enhancement with CRISPR/Cas9 technology and perceived it as fraught with moral controversy primarily related to eugenics, equity, diversity, risk, and the authority of nature. Content knowledge level, gender, socioeconomic status, and first‐generation status influenced which moral considerations were employed by students and these carried interaction effects that indicate complex relationships between content knowledge level and demographic variables. We suggest more explicit instruction about complex societal issues linked to the history of science and genetic engineering, such as eugenics and inequity, and further investigation of moral perspectives for students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds and underrepresented groups so that these perspectives can be integrated into curricula to foster diverse classroom environments.
Severe tail lesions in finisher pigs are associated with reduction in annual profit in farrow‐to‐finish pig farms
Authors: van Staaveren Nienke , Boyle Laura Ann , Manzanilla Edgar García , O'Driscoll Keelin , Shalloo Laurence , Díaz Julia Adriana Calderón
Published: January 2021

Objectives: We investigated the financial impact of different prevalence levels of severe tail lesions (STL) during the finisher stage associated with changes in average daily gain (ADG) in farrow‐to‐finish pig farms.

Methods: Prevalence of STL was estimated for 31 farrow‐to‐finish pig farms. Regression tree analysis was used to identify a threshold for STL associated with differences in ADG. Then, a financial analysis was carried using the Teagasc Pig Production model.

Results: A threshold of ≥0.86% prevalence of STL was associated with a 4.8% decrease in ADG which translated into pigs requiring 7 days more to reach target slaughter weight than in farms below the threshold. Reduced ADG meant that farms with higher prevalence of STL used 3.6% more weaner and 1.4% more finisher feed per year increasing feed costs by 1.5%. This reduced mean annual farm profit by 15.1% in farms with higher prevalence of STL.

Conclusions: Our results provide an indication of the financial effects of STL in intensive pig production systems. The identified threshold for the prevalence of STL could provide a tangible target for farmers to focus on in developing strategies to reduce tail lesions and allow farmers to complete a cost benefit analysis of controlling STL.
2020: a veterinary year in review
Authors: Clark Kathryn
Published: January 2021

Covid‐19 may have dominated 2020 but, as Kathryn Clark reflects, it was not the only thing that happened last year.
‘A sustainable future isn't vegan, it's flexitarian’
Authors: Capper Jude
Published: January 2021

Jude Capper, a livestock sustainability consultant, argues that adopting a vegan diet isn't a sustainably viable option for the future, and that it is better to encourage UK consumers to buy locally produced goods and follow a flexitarian diet.
Colin Richard Quinton Barton
Authors: Hulme John
Published: January 2021

A wonderful ambassador for the veterinary profession; he was a modest man who was kind, patient and compassionate to everyone he met.
Synthesis, structure and magnetic properties of a cobalt(II) mesoxalate 1D coordination polymer
Authors: Gil‐Hernández Beatriz , Sanchiz Joaquín
Published: January 2021

Mesoxalate ligand (H2mesox)2−, the conjugate base of the mesoxalic acid (2,2’‐dihydroxyl‐malonic acid) reacts with cobalt (II) ions to form the 1‐D coordination polymer {[Co(H2mesox)(H2O)2] ⋅ H2O}n. This compound displays a structure based on homochiral polymeric chains which stack together in an AABB fashion through hydrogen bonding by both coordination and crystallisation water molecules. Although the magnetic properties for such a Co(II) compound are difficult to interpret in the whole temperature range, at low temperatures the Co(II) behaves as an S=1/2 effective spin and equation derived by Fisher from the Ising model was applied to analyse the data in the 4–40 K range. The magnetic interactions in this compound are compared with the magnetic interactions displayed by similar compounds reported in the literature.
Regulatory Non-coding RNAs in Atherosclerosis
Authors: Schober Andreas , Maleki Saffiyeh Saboor , Nazari-Jahantigh Maliheh
Published: January 2021

Regulatory RNAs like microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) control vascular and immune cells’ phenotype and thus play a crucial role in atherosclerosis. Moreover, the mutual interactions between miRNAs and lncRNAs link both types of regulatory RNAs in a functional network that affects lesion formation. In this review, we deduce novel concepts of atherosclerosis from the analysis of the current data on regulatory RNAs’ role in endothelial cells (ECs) and macrophages. In contrast to arterial ECs, which adopt a stable phenotype by adaptation to high shear stress, macrophages are highly plastic and quickly change their activation status. At predilection sites of atherosclerosis, such as arterial bifurcations, ECs are exposed to disturbed laminar flow, which generates a dysadaptive stress response mediated by miRNAs. Whereas the highly abundant miR-126-5p promotes regenerative proliferation of dysadapted ECs, miR-103-3p stimulates inflammatory activation and impairs endothelial regeneration by aberrant proliferation and micronuclei formation. In macrophages, miRNAs are essential in regulating energy and lipid metabolism, which affects inflammatory activation and foam cell formation.

Moreover, lipopolysaccharide-induced miR-155 and miR-146 shape inflammatory macrophage activation through their oppositional effects on NF-kB. Most lncRNAs are not conserved between species, except a small group of very long lncRNAs, such as MALAT1, which blocks numerous miRNAs by providing non-functional binding sites. In summary, regulatory RNAs’ roles are highly context-dependent, and therapeutic approaches that target specific functional interactions of miRNAs appear promising against cardiovascular diseases.
Dark matter in minimal dimensional transmutation with multicritical-point principle
Authors: Hamada Yuta , Kawai Hikaru , Oda Kin-ya , Yagyu Kei
Published: January 2021

Abstract

We investigate a model with two real scalar fields that minimally generates exponentially different scales in an analog of the Coleman-Weinberg mechanism. The classical scale invariance — the absence of dimensionful parameters in the tree-level action, required in such a scale generation — can naturally be understood as a special case of the multicritical-point principle. This two-scalar model can couple to the Standard Model Higgs field to realize a maximum multicriticality (with all the dimensionful parameters being tuned to critical values) for field values around the electroweak scale, providing a generalization of the classical scale invariance to a wider class of criticality. As a bonus, one of the two scalars can be identified as Higgs-portal dark matter. We find that this model can be consistent with the constraints from dark matter relic abundance, its direct detection experiments, and the latest LHC data, while keeping the perturbativity up to the reduced Planck scale. We then present successful benchmark points satisfying all these constraints: the mass of dark matter is a few TeV, and its scattering cross section with nuclei is of the order of 10−9 pb, reachable in near future experiments. The mass of extra Higgs boson H is smaller than or of the order of 100 GeV, and the cross section of e+e− → ZH can be of fb level for collision energy 250 GeV, targetted at future lepton colliders.
Nilpotence Varieties
Authors: Eager Richard , Saberi Ingmar , Walcher Johannes
Published: January 2021

We consider algebraic varieties canonically associated with any Lie superalgebra, and study them in detail for super-Poincaré algebras of physical interest. They are the locus of nilpotent elements in (the projectivized parity reversal of) the odd part of the algebra. Most of these varieties have appeared in various guises in previous literature, but we study them systematically here, from a new perspective: As the natural moduli spaces parameterizing twists of a super-Poincaré-invariant physical theory. We obtain a classification of all possible twists, as well as a systematic analysis of unbroken symmetry in twisted theories. The natural stratification of the varieties, the identification of strata with twists, and the action of Lorentz and R-symmetry are emphasized. We also include a short and unconventional exposition of the pure spinor superfield formalism, from the perspective of twisting, and demonstrate that it can be applied to construct familiar multiplets in four-dimensional minimally supersymmetric theories. In all dimensions and with any amount of supersymmetry, this technique produces BRST or BV complexes of supersymmetric theories from the Koszul complex of the maximal ideal over the coordinate ring of the nilpotence variety, possibly tensored with any equivariant module over that coordinate ring. In addition, we remark on a natural connection to the Chevalley–Eilenberg complex of the supertranslation algebra, and give two applications related to these ideas: a calculation of Chevalley–Eilenberg cohomology for the (2, 0) algebra in six dimensions, and a degenerate BV complex encoding the type IIB supergravity multiplet.
Attribution of autonomy and its role in robotic language acquisition
Authors: Förster Frank , Althoefer Kaspar
Published: January 2021

The false attribution of autonomy and related concepts to artificial agents that lack the attributed levels of the respective characteristic is problematic in many ways. In this article, we contrast this view with a positive viewpoint that emphasizes the potential role of such false attributions in the context of robotic language acquisition. By adding emotional displays and congruent body behaviors to a child-like humanoid robot’s behavioral repertoire, we were able to bring naïve human tutors to engage in so called intent interpretations. In developmental psychology, intent interpretations can be hypothesized to play a central role in the acquisition of emotion, volition, and similar autonomy-related words. The aforementioned experiments originally targeted the acquisition of linguistic negation. However, participants produced other affect- and motivation-related words with high frequencies too and, as a consequence, these entered the robot’s active vocabulary. We will analyze participants’ non-negative emotional and volitional speech and contrast it with participants’ speech in a non-affective baseline scenario. Implications of these findings for robotic language acquisition in particular and artificial intelligence and robotics more generally will also be discussed.
The nonlinear Schrödinger equation in the half-space
Authors: Fernández Antonio J. , Weth Tobias
Published: January 2021

The present paper is concerned with the half-space Dirichlet problem "Equation missing"where $$\mathbb {R}^{N}_{+}:= \{\,x \in \mathbb {R}^N: x_N > 0\, \}$$

R

+
N

:
=

{

x
∈

R

N

:

x
N

>
0

}

for some $$N \ge 1$$

N
≥
1

and $$p > 1$$

p
>
1

, $$c > 0$$

c
>
0

are constants. We analyse the existence, non-existence and multiplicity of bounded positive solutions to ($$P_c$$

P
c

). We prove that the existence and multiplicity of bounded positive solutions to ($$P_c$$

P
c

) depend in a striking way on the value of $$c > 0$$

c
>
0

and also on the dimension N. We find an explicit number $${c_p}\in (1,\sqrt{e})$$

c
p

∈

(
1
,

e

)

, depending only on p, which determines the threshold between existence and non-existence. In particular, in dimensions $$N \ge 2$$

N
≥
2

, we prove that, for $$0< c < {c_p}$$

0
<
c
<

c
p

, problem ($$P_c$$

P
c

) admits infinitely many bounded positive solutions, whereas, for $$c > {c_p}$$

c
>

c
p

, there are no bounded positive solutions to ($$P_c$$

P
c

).
Population pharmacokinetic modelling to quantify the magnitude of drug-drug interactions between amlodipine and antiretroviral drugs
Authors: Courlet Perrine , Guidi Monia , Alves Saldanha Susana , Cavassini Matthias , Stoeckle Marcel , Buclin Thierry , Marzolini Catia , Decosterd Laurent A. , Csajka Chantal
Published: January 2021

Purpose

Drug-drug interactions (DDIs) with antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) represent an important issue in elderly people living with HIV (PLWH). Amlodipine is a commonly prescribed antihypertensive drug metabolized by CYP3A4, thus predisposed to a risk of DDIs. Guidance on the management of DDIs is mostly based on theoretical considerations derived from coadministration with other CYP3A4 inhibitors. This study aimed at characterizing the magnitude of DDIs between amlodipine and ARV drugs in order to establish dosing recommendations.

Methods

A population pharmacokinetic analysis was developed using non-linear mixed effect modelling (NONMEM) and included 163 amlodipine concentrations from 55 PLWH. Various structural and error models were compared to characterize optimally the concentration-time profile of amlodipine. Demographic and clinical characteristics as well as comedications were tested as potential influential covariates. Model-based simulations were performed to compare amlodipine exposure (i.e. area under the curve, AUC) between coadministered ARV drugs.

Results

Amlodipine concentration-time profile was best described using a one-compartment model with first-order absorption and a lag-time. Amlodipine apparent clearance was influenced by both CYP3A4 inhibitors and efavirenz (CYP3A4 inducer). Model-based simulations revealed that amlodipine AUC increased by 96% when coadministered with CYP3A4 inhibitors, while efavirenz decreased drug exposure by 59%.

Conclusion

Coadministered ARV drugs significantly impact amlodipine disposition in PLWH. Clinicians should adjust amlodipine dosage accordingly, by halving the dosage in PLWH receiving ARV with inhibitory properties (mainly ritonavir-boosted darunavir), whereas they should double amlodipine doses when coadministering it with efavirenz, under appropriate monitoring of clinical response and tolerance.
Magnetic resonance imaging improves the prediction of tumor staging in localized prostate cancer
Authors: Valentin B. , Schimmöller L. , Ullrich T. , Klingebiel M. , Demetrescu D. , Sawicki L. M. , Lakes J. , Mally D. , Quentin M. , Esposito I. , Albers P. , Antoch G. , Arsov C.
Published: January 2021

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate 3 Tesla multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI)-based predictors for the pretherapeutic T staging of prostate cancer and their accuracy.

Methods

Consecutive patients with 3 Tesla mpMRI, positive systematic and MR-targeted biopsy, and subsequent radical prostatectomy (RPE) between 01/2016 and 12/2017 were included. MRI parameters such as measurable extraprostatic extension (EPE) (≥ 3 mm), length of (pseudo)capsular contact (LCC), invasion of neurovascular bundle (NVBI), and/or seminal vesicles lesion contact (SVC) or infiltration (SVI) were assessed and correlated to clinical and histopathological results.

Results

136 men were included. In 76 cases, a pT2 stage was determined, in 29 cases a pT3a, and in 31 a pT3b stage. The positive and negative predictive values (PPV, NPV) for the detection of T3 by measurable EPE on MRI was 98% (CI 0.88–1) and 81% (CI 0.72–0.87). No visible NVBI was found in pT2 patients (NPV 100%; CI 0.95–1). ROC analysis for T3a prediction with LCC (AUC 0.81) showed a sensitivity of 87% and a specificity of 62% at a threshold of 12.5 mm (J = 0.485) and 93% and 58% at 11 mm (Jmax = 0.512). All patients with pT3a had a LCC > 5 mm. In case of pT3b, 29/31 patients showed a SVC (PPV 76%, CI 0.61–0.87; NPV 98%, CI 0.93–0.99), and 23/31 patients showed a SVI (PPV 100%, CI 0.86–1; NPV 93%, CI 0.87–0.96). EPE (p < 0.01), LCC (p = 0.05), and SVC (p = 0.01) were independent predictors of pT3.

Conclusions

MRI-measurable EPE, LCC, and SVC were reliable, independent, preoperative predictors for a histopathological T3 stage. A LCC ≥ 11 mm indicated a pT3a stage, whereas a LCC < 5 mm excluded it. On MRI, visible SVI or even SVC of the PCa lesion was reliable preoperative predictors for a pT3b stage.