bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extended thermodynamics and complexity in gravitational Chern-Simons theory
Authors: Frassino Antonia M. , Mann Robert B. , Mureika Jonas R.
Published: November 2019

Abstract

We study several aspects of the extended thermodynamics of BTZ black holes with thermodynamic mass $$ M=\alpha m+\gamma \frac{j}{\ell } $$
M
=
αm
+
γ

j
ℓ

and angular momentum J = αj + γℓm, for general values of the parameters (α, γ) ranging from regular (α = 1, γ = 0) to exotic (α = 0, γ = 1). We show that there exist two distinct behaviours for the black holes, one when α > γ (“mostly regular”), and the other when γ < α (“mostly exotic”). We find that the Smarr formula holds for all (α, γ). We derive the corresponding thermodynamic volumes, which we find to be positive provided α and γ satisfy a certain constraint. The dependence of pressure on volume is unremarkable and strictly decreasing when α > γ, but a maximum volume emerges for large J ≫ T when γ > α; consequently an exotic black hole of a given horizon circumference and temperature can exist in two distinct anti de Sitter backgrounds. We compute the reverse isoperimetric ratio, and study the Gibbs free energy and criticality conditions for each. Finally we investigate the complexity growth of these objects and find that they are all proportional to the complexity of the BTZ black hole. Somewhat surprisingly, purely exotic BTZ black holes have vanishing complexity growth.
Defect QED: dielectric without a dielectric, monopole without a monopole
Authors: Grignani Gianluca , Semenoff Gordon W.
Published: November 2019

Abstract

We study a class of defect quantum field theories where the quantum field theory in the 3+1-dimensional bulk is a free photon and charged matter and the interactions of the photons with the charges occur entirely on a 2+1-dimensional defect. We observe that at the fully quantum level, the effective action of such a theory is still a defect field theory with free photons propagating in the bulk and the nonlinearities in the quantum corrections to the Maxwell equations confined to the defect. We use this observation to show that the defect field theory has interesting electromagnetic properties. The electromagnetic fields sourced by static test charges are attenuated as if the bulk surrounding them were filled with a dielectric material. This is particularly interesting when the observer and test charge are on opposite sides of the defect. Then the effect is isotropic and it is operative even in the region near the defect. If the defect is in a time reversal violating state, image charges have the appearance of electrically and magnetically charged dyons. We present the example of a single layer in a quantum Hall state. We observe that the charge screening effect in charge neutral graphene should be significant, and even more dramatic when the layer is in a metallic state with mobile electrons.
Role of Diffusion Tensor Imaging Parameters in the Characterization and Differentiation of Infiltrating and Non-Infiltrating Spinal Cord Tumors
Authors: Maj Edyta , Szemplińska Barbara , Szeszkowski Wojciech , Prokopienko Marek , Cieszanowski Andrzej , Marchel Andrzej , Rowiński Olgierd
Published: November 2019

Background and Purpose

Recent attempts to utilize diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to identify the extent of microinfiltration of a tumor in the brain have been successful. It was therefore speculated that this technique could also be useful in the spinal cord. The aim of this study was to differentiate between infiltrating and noninfiltrating intramedullary spinal tumors using DTI-derived metrics.

Material and Methods

The study group consisted of 6 patients with infiltrating and 12 with noninfiltrating spinal cord tumors. Conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with gadolinium administration was performed followed by DTI. Fractional anisotropy (FA), diffusivity (TRACE) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) were measured in the enhancing tumor mass, peritumoral margins, peritumoral edema and normal appearing spinal cord. The results were compared using non-parametric Mann–Whitney U test with statistical significance p < 0.05.

Results

In peritumoral margins the FA values were significantly higher in the noninfiltrating compared to the infiltrating tumors (p < 0.007), whereas TRACE values were significantly lower (p < 0.017). The results were similar in peritumoral edema. The FA values in the tumor mass showed no significant differences between the two groups while TRACE showed a statistically significant difference (p < 0.003). There was no statistical difference in any parameters in normal appearing spinal cord.

Conclusion

Quantitative analysis of DTI parameters of spinal cord tissue surroundings spinal masses can be useful for differentiation between infiltrating and non-infiltrating intramedullary spinal tumors.
Transcriptomic characterization of culture-associated changes in murine and human precision-cut tissue slices
Authors: Bigaeva Emilia , Gore Emilia , Simon Eric , Zwick Matthias , Oldenburger Anouk , de Jong Koert P. , Hofker Hendrik S. , Schlepütz Marco , Nicklin Paul , Boersema Miriam , Rippmann Jörg F. , Olinga Peter
Published: November 2019

Our knowledge of complex pathological mechanisms underlying organ fibrosis is predominantly derived from animal studies. However, relevance of animal models for human disease is limited; therefore, an ex vivo model of human precision-cut tissue slices (PCTS) might become an indispensable tool in fibrosis research and drug development by bridging the animal–human translational gap. This study, presented as two parts, provides comprehensive characterization of the dynamic transcriptional changes in PCTS during culture by RNA sequencing. Part I investigates the differences in culture-induced responses in murine and human PCTS derived from healthy liver, kidney and gut. Part II delineates the molecular processes in cultured human PCTS generated from diseased liver, kidney and ileum. We demonstrated that culture was associated with extensive transcriptional changes and impacted PCTS in a universal way across the organs and two species by triggering an inflammatory response and fibrosis-related extracellular matrix (ECM) remodelling. All PCTS shared mRNA upregulation of IL-11 and ECM-degrading enzymes MMP3 and MMP10. Slice preparation and culturing activated numerous pathways across all PCTS, especially those involved in inflammation (IL-6, IL-8 and HMGB1 signalling) and tissue remodelling (osteoarthritis pathway and integrin signalling). Despite the converging effects of culture, PCTS display species-, organ- and pathology-specific differences in the regulation of genes and canonical pathways. The underlying pathology in human diseased PCTS endures and influences biological processes like cytokine release. Our study reinforces the use of PCTS as an ex vivo fibrosis model and supports future studies towards its validation as a preclinical tool for drug development.
Multiple Solutions to a Nonlinear Curl–Curl Problem in $${\mathbb {R}}^3$$
Authors: Mederski Jarosław , Schino Jacopo , Szulkin Andrzej
Published: November 2019

We look for ground states and bound states $$E:{\mathbb {R}}^3\rightarrow {\mathbb {R}}^3$$E:R3→R3 to the curl–curl problem $$\begin{aligned} \nabla \times (\nabla \times E)= f(x,E) \qquad \text { in } {\mathbb {R}}^3, \end{aligned}$$∇×(∇×E)=f(x,E)inR3,which originates from nonlinear Maxwell equations. The energy functional associated with this problem is strongly indefinite due to the infinite dimensional kernel of $$\nabla \times (\nabla \times \cdot )$$∇×(∇×·). The growth of the nonlinearity f is controlled by an N-function $$\Phi :{\mathbb {R}}\rightarrow [0,\infty )$$Φ:R→[0,∞) such that $$\displaystyle \lim _{s\rightarrow 0}\Phi (s)/s^6=\lim _{s\rightarrow +\infty }\Phi (s)/s^6=0$$lims→0Φ(s)/s6=lims→+∞Φ(s)/s6=0. We prove the existence of a ground state, that is, a least energy nontrivial solution, and the existence of infinitely many geometrically distinct bound states. We improve previous results concerning ground states of curl–curl problems. Multiplicity results for our problem have not been studied so far in $${\mathbb {R}}^3$$R3 and in order to do this we construct a suitable critical point theory; it is applicable to a wide class of strongly indefinite problems, including this one and Schrödinger equations.
Visualizing large-scale flow using synthetic aperture PIV
Authors: van Houwelingen Josje , Holten Ad P. C. , Clercx Herman J. H. , Kunnen Rudie P. J. , Molenaar Jaap , van de Water Willem
Published: November 2019

We discuss the application of synthetic aperture particle image velocimetry for measuring the flow around human swimmers using small bubbles as tracer. We quantify the two-dimensional projection of the velocity field in planes perpendicular to the viewing direction of an array of six cameras. With help of simulations, modelled after the experiment, we address questions about depth selectivity and occlusion in dense bubble fields. Using vortex rings in the swimming pool, we provide a proof of principle of the method. It is further illustrated by the vorticity field produced by a human swimmer.

Graphic abstract
Using personalized medicine in gliomas: a genomic approach to diagnosis and overcoming treatment resistance in a case with pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma
Authors: Piña Yolanda , Fusco Michael J. , Macaulay Robert J. , Walko Christine M. , Peguero Edwin , Evernden Brittany R. , Smalley Keiran S. , Forsyth Peter
Published: November 2019

Introduction

A patient who was initially considered to have a glioblastoma (GBM) had molecular analysis, showing that it was a pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma (PXA). Up to 78% of PXA tumors have BRAF V600E mutations. Primary brain tumors with BRAF mutations can have a good response to BRAF MEK inhibitors (BRAF MEKi), and there may be a synergistic response when combined with autophagy inhibitors.

Presentation of the case

A 20-year-old man found to have a large brain mass with midline shift underwent resection. He was diagnosed with “GBM” and treated with radiation and temozolomide with subsequent disease recurrence. Review of histology showed malignant PXA with BRAF V600E mutation. Treatment with Dabrafenib and Trametinib was started, and tumor size increased in size after 14 months of treatment. Given studies showing that resistance to BRAF inhibition can be overcome by autophagy inhibition, chloroquine was added. Patient has been on “triple” therapy for 15 months and has radiographically Stable Disease. At MCC, 3% of patients with gliomas have BRAF mutations who could potentially benefit from this combination therapy.

Conclusion

This is the first report of a PXA patient receiving therapy with BRAF MEKi and an autophagy inhibitor with prolonged stable disease. This patient highlights the importance of a molecular interrogation in gliomas to provide an integrated diagnosis and effective treatment. This may be useful in up to 3% of glioma patients with BRAF mutations. Molecular testing in neuro-oncology is providing new avenues of diagnosis and treatment, and detailed molecular interrogation should be considered routine.
Economic evaluation of meningococcal vaccines: considerations for the future
Authors: Christensen Hannah , Al-Janabi Hareth , Levy Pierre , Postma Maarten J. , Bloom David E. , Landa Paolo , Damm Oliver , Salisbury David M. , Diez-Domingo Javier , Towse Adrian K. , Lorgelly Paula K. , Shah Koonal K. , Hernandez-Villafuerte Karla , Smith Vinny , Glennie Linda , Wright Claire , York Laura , Farkouh Raymond
Published: November 2019

In 2018, a panel of health economics and meningococcal disease experts convened to review methodologies, frameworks, and decision-making processes for economic evaluations of vaccines, with a focus on evaluation of vaccines targeting invasive meningococcal disease (IMD). The panel discussed vaccine evaluation methods across countries; IMD prevention benefits that are well quantified using current methods, not well quantified, or missing in current cost-effectiveness methodologies; and development of recommendations for future evaluation methods. Consensus was reached on a number of points and further consideration was deemed necessary for some topics. Experts agreed that the unpredictability of IMD complicates an accurate evaluation of meningococcal vaccine benefits and that vaccine cost-effectiveness evaluations should encompass indirect benefits, both for meningococcal vaccines and vaccines in general. In addition, the panel agreed that transparency in the vaccine decision-making process is beneficial and should be implemented when possible. Further discussion is required to ascertain: how enhancing consistency of frameworks for evaluating outcomes of vaccine introduction can be improved; reviews of existing tools used to capture quality of life; how indirect costs are considered within models; and whether and how the weighting of quality-adjusted life-years (QALY), application of QALY adjustment factors, or use of altered cost-effectiveness thresholds should be used in the economic evaluation of vaccines.
A novel method based on nonparametric regression with a Gaussian kernel algorithm identifies the critical components in CHO media and feed optimization
Authors: Zou Mao , Zhou Zi-Wei , Fan Li , Zhang Wei-Jian , Zhao Liang , Liu Xu-Ping , Wang Hai-Bin , Tan Wen-Song
Published: November 2019

As the composition of animal cell culture medium becomes more complex, the identification of key variables is important for simplifying and guiding the subsequent medium optimization. However, the traditional experimental design methods are impractical and limited in their ability to explore such large feature spaces. Therefore, in this work, we developed a NRGK (nonparametric regression with Gaussian kernel) method, which aimed to identify the critical components that affect product titres during the development of cell culture media. With this nonparametric model, we successfully identified the important components that were neglected by the conventional PLS (partial least squares regression) method. The superiority of the NRGK method was further verified by ANOVA (analysis of variance). Additionally, it was proven that the selection accuracy was increased with the NRGK method because of its ability to model both the nonlinear and linear relationships between the medium components and titres. The application of this NRGK method provides new perspectives for the more precise identification of the critical components that further enable the optimization of media in a shorter timeframe.
EndOxy: Dynamic Long-Term Evaluation of Endothelialized Gas Exchange Membranes for a Biohybrid Lung
Authors: Klein Sarah , Hesselmann Felix , Djeljadini Suzana , Berger Tanja , Thiebes Anja Lena , Schmitz-Rode Thomas , Jockenhoevel Stefan , Cornelissen Christian G
Published: November 2019

In the concept of a biohybrid lung, endothelial cells seeded on gas exchange membranes form a non-thrombogenic an anti-inflammatory surface to overcome the lacking hemocompatibility of today’s oxygenators during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. To evaluate this concept, the long-term stability and gas exchange performance of endothelialized RGD-conjugated polydimethylsiloxane (RGD-PDMS) membranes was evaluated. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (ECs) were cultured on RGD-PDMS in a model system under physiological wall shear stress (WSS) of 0.5 Pa for up to 33 days. Gas exchange performance was tested with three biological replicates under elevated WSS of 2.5 Pa using porcine blood adjusted to venous values following ISO 7199 and blood gas analysis. EC morphology was assessed by immunocytochemistry (n= 3). RGD-PDMS promoted endothelialization and stability of endothelialized membranes was shown for at least 33 days and for a maximal WSS of 2.5 Pa. Short-term exposure to porcine blood did not affect EC integrity. The gas transfer tests provided evidence for the oxygenation and decarboxylation of the blood across endothelialized membranes with a decrease of transfer rates over time that needs to be addressed in further studies with larger sample sizes. Our results demonstrate the general suitability of RGD-PDMS for biohybrid lung applications, which might enable long-term support of patients with chronic lung failure in the future.
A note on the Gao et al. (2019) uniform mixture model in the case of regression
Authors: Tsionas Mike G. , Andrikopoulos Athanasios
Published: November 2019

We extend the uniform mixture model of Gao et al. (Ann Oper Res, 2019. 10.1007/s10479-019-03236-9) to the case of linear regression. Gao et al. (Ann Oper Res, 2019. 10.1007/s10479-019-03236-9) proposed that to characterize the probability distributions of multimodal and irregular data observed in engineering, a uniform mixture model can be used. This model is a weighted combination of multiple uniform distribution components. This case is of empirical interest since, in many instances, the distribution of the error term in a linear regression model cannot be assumed unimodal. Bayesian methods of inference organized around Markov chain Monte Carlo are proposed. In a Monte Carlo experiment, significant efficiency gains are found in comparison to least squares justifying the use of the uniform mixture model.
Hybrid master equation for jump-diffusion approximation of biomolecular reaction networks
Authors: Altıntan Derya , Koeppl Heinz
Published: November 2019

Cellular reactions have a multi-scale nature in the sense that the abundance of molecular species and the magnitude of reaction rates can vary across orders of magnitude. This diversity naturally leads to hybrid models that combine continuous and discrete modeling regimes. In order to capture this multi-scale nature, we proposed jump-diffusion approximations in a previous study. The key idea was to partition reactions into fast and slow groups, and then to combine a Markov jump updating scheme for the slow group with a diffusion (Langevin) updating scheme for the fast group. In this study we show that the joint probability density function of the jump-diffusion approximation over the reaction counting process satisfies a hybrid master equation that combines terms from the chemical master equation and from the Fokker–Planck equation. Inspired by the method of conditional moments, we propose a efficient method to solve this master equation using the moments of reaction counters of the fast reactions given the reaction counters of the slow reactions. For each time point of interest, we then solve a set of maximum entropy problems in order to recover the conditional probability density from its moments. This finally allows us to reconstruct the complete joint probability density over all reaction counters and hence obtain an approximate solution of the hybrid master equation. Finally, we show the accuracy of the method applied to a simple multi-scale conversion process.
Unpacking Transient Event Dynamics in Electrophysiological Power Spectra
Authors: Quinn Andrew J. , van Ede Freek , Brookes Matthew J. , Heideman Simone G. , Nowak Magdalena , Seedat Zelekha A. , Vidaurre Diego , Zich Catharina , Nobre Anna C. , Woolrich Mark W.
Published: November 2019

Electrophysiological recordings of neuronal activity show spontaneous and task-dependent changes in their frequency-domain power spectra. These changes are conventionally interpreted as modulations in the amplitude of underlying oscillations. However, this overlooks the possibility of underlying transient spectral ‘bursts’ or events whose dynamics can map to changes in trial-average spectral power in numerous ways. Under this emerging perspective, a key challenge is to perform burst detection, i.e. to characterise single-trial transient spectral events, in a principled manner. Here, we describe how transient spectral events can be operationalised and estimated using Hidden Markov Models (HMMs). The HMM overcomes a number of the limitations of the standard amplitude-thresholding approach to burst detection; in that it is able to concurrently detect different types of bursts, each with distinct spectral content, without the need to predefine frequency bands of interest, and does so with less dependence on a priori threshold specification. We describe how the HMM can be used for burst detection and illustrate its benefits on simulated data. Finally, we apply this method to empirical data to detect multiple burst types in a task-MEG dataset, and illustrate how we can compute burst metrics, such as the task-evoked timecourse of burst duration.
Preconditions for bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) in sub-Saharan Africa: the case of Tanzania
Authors: Hansson Anders , Fridahl Mathias , Haikola Simon , Yanda Pius , Pauline Noah , Mabhuye Edmund
Published: November 2019

Most mitigation scenarios compatible with a likely change of holding global warming well below 2 °C rely on negative emissions technologies (NETs). According to the integrated assessment models (IAMs) used to produce mitigation scenarios for the IPCC reports, the NET with the greatest potential to achieve negative emissions is bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS). Crucial questions arise about where the enormous quantities of biomass needed according to the IAM scenarios could feasibly be produced in a sustainable manner. Africa is attractive in the context of BECCS because of large areas that could contribute biomass energy and indications of substantial underground CO2 storage capacities. However, estimates of large biomass availability in Africa are usually based on highly aggregated datasets, and only a few studies explore future challenges or barriers for BECCS in any detail. Based on previous research and literature, this paper analyses the pre-conditions for BECCS in Tanzania by studying what we argue are the applications of BECCS, or the components of the BECCS chain, that are most feasible in the country, namely (1) as applied to domestic sugarcane-based energy production (bioethanol), and (2) with Tanzania in a producer and re-growth role in an international BECCS chain, supplying biomass or biofuels for export to developed countries. The review reveals that a prerequisite for both options is either the existence of a functional market for emissions trading and selling, making negative emissions a viable commercial investment, or sustained investment through aid programmes. Also, historically, an important barrier to the development of production capacity of liquid biofuels for export purposes has been given by ethical dilemmas following in the wake of demand for land to facilitate production of biomass, such as sugarcane and jatropha. In these cases, conflicts over access to land and mismanagement have been more of a rule than an exception. Increased production volumes of solid biomass for export to operations that demand bioenergy, be it with or without a CCS component, is likely to give rise to similar conflicts. While BECCS may well play an important role in reducing emissions in countries with high capacity to act combined with existing large point sources of biogenic CO2 emissions, it seems prudent to proceed with utmost caution when implicating BECCS deployment in least developed countries, like Tanzania.The paper argues that negative BECCS-related emissions from Tanzania should not be assumed in global climate mitigation scenarios.
Human health in systemic adaptation to climate change: insights from flood risk management in a river basin
Authors: Assmuth Timo , Dubrovin Tanja , Lyytimäki Jari
Published: November 2019

Human health risks in dealing with floods in a river basin in South-Western Finland are analysed as an example of scientific and practical challenges in systemic adaptation to climate change and in integrated governance of water resources. The analysis is based on case reports and plans, on literature studies and on conceptual models of risks and risk management. Flood risks in the Northern European study area are aggravated by melt- and storm-water runoff, ice jams and coastal flooding. Flood risk assessment is linked with management plans based on EU directives as applied in the case area. National risk management policies and procedures of increasing scope and depth have been devised for climate change, water resources and overall safety, but an integrated approach to health risks is still largely missing. The same is true of surveys of perceived flood risks, and participatory deliberation and collaborative planning procedures for flood risk management in the case area, specifically for adaptive lake regulation. Health impacts, risks and benefits, socio-economic and systemic risks, and over-arching prevention, adaptation and compensation measures are not fully included. We propose a systematic framework for these extensions. Particular attention needs to be given to health risks due to flooding, e.g. from water contamination, moist buildings, mental stress and infrastructure damage and also from management actions. Uncertainties and ambiguities about risks present continuing challenges. It is concluded that health aspects of flooding are complex and need to be better included in assessment and control, to develop more integrated and adaptive systemic risk governance.
Critical Factors Determining the Onset of Backdraft Using Solid Fuels
Authors: Wu Chia Lung , Santamaria Simón , Carvel Ricky
Published: November 2019

Backdraft is an explosive fire phenomenon which typically occurs during fire-fighting activities, occasionally leading to fire-fighter fatalities. Real backdraft incidents involve complex fuel gas mixtures consisting of the products of underventilated burning and pyrolysis following burnout. However, most experimental research into backdraft has used methane gas or flammable liquids as fuel. Some aspects of real backdraft behavior may have been overlooked as a consequence of this simplicity. A reduced scale series of compartment fire tests have been carried out to investigate the critical factors governing the onset of backdraft, using polypropylene and high density polyethylene samples as fuel. It is established that there are critical temperatures for auto-ignition of the pyrolysis gases leading to backdraft which vary with fuel properties. For polypropylene the highest temperature in the compartment must be above 350°C for auto-ignition of the fuel gases, while mixtures in the presence of a pilot source can be ignited down to about 320°C. Backdraft cannot occur when the compartment temperature is below 320°C. For polyethylene, the corresponding temperature for auto-ignition is 320°C. In parallel with these tests, a series of pyrolysis investigations have been carried out using the fire propagation apparatus, with FTIR gas analysis. The observed critical temperatures for backdraft correlate well with the evolved pyrolysis gases. Analysis shows that higher temperatures are required for backdraft when the CO/CO2 ratio is small, and that below the auto-ignition temperature, backdraft can only occur above a CO/CO2 ratio of about 35%. It is concluded that the crucial factors determining whether backdraft occurs or not are the maximum temperature and the CO/CO2 ratio in the compartment, prior to opening the door.
Application of the Langmuir Technique to Study the Response of C-dec-9-en-1-ylcalix[4]resorcinarene and C-undecylcalix[4]resorcinarene Ultra-thin Films' Interactions with Cd2+, Hg2+, Pb2+, and Cu2+ Cations Present in the Subphase
Authors: Eddaif Larbi , Shaban Abdul , Telegdi Judit
Published: November 2019

The calix[4]resorcinarene macrocycles are excellent oligomers for the design of amphiphilic derivatives; they can form self-assemblies and stable sensing networks. Owing to their favorable properties, they are the focus of many exploitations and studies ranging from biological controls to heavy metal ion sensing. In this perspective, two calix[4]resorcinarene derivatives, namely: C-dec-9-en-1-ylcalix[4]resorcinarene (ionophore I) and C-undecylcalix[4]resorcinarene (ionophore II) were used to form stable ultra-thin Langmuir monolayer films at the air/water interface; their interactions with different harmful metal cations (Cd2+, Pb2+, Hg2+, and Cu2+) were studied and highlighted via the pressure-area (Π-A) isotherms. The obtained results in the current investigation showed a dependence of both macrocycle interactions on the metal cation concentration in the subphase, confirming their complexation. In addition, the ionophore (I) exhibited high selectivity towards Pb2+ and Cu2+ cations, whereas the ionophore (II) showed tendency to bind with Cu2+ cations over others, approving the potential applicability of these macrocycles as ion selective chemical sensors.
Untethered quadrupedal hopping and bounding on a trampoline
Authors: Wang Boxing , Zhou Chunlin , Duan Ziheng , Zhu Qichao , Wu Jun , Xiong Rong
Published: November 2019

For quadruped robots with springy legs, a successful jump usually requires both suitable elastic parts and well-designed control algorithms. However, these two problems are mutually restricted and hard to solve at the same time. In this study, we attempt to solve the problem of controller design with the help of a robot without any elastic mounted parts, in which the untethered robot is made to jump on a trampoline. The differences between jumping on hard surfaces with springy legs and jumping on springy surfaces with rigid legs are briefly discussed. An intuitive control law is proposed to balance foot contact forces; in this manner, excessive pitch oscillation during hopping or bounding can be avoided. Hopping height is controlled by tuning the time delay of the leg stretch. Together with other motion generators based on kinematic law, the robot can perform translational and rotational movements while hopping or bounding on the trampoline. Experiments are conducted to validate the effectiveness of the proposed control framework.
Encapsulation of 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol with tetraethyl orthosilicate for CO2 capture
Authors: Rama Sidra , Zhang Yan , Tchuenbou-Magaia Fideline , Ding Yulong , Li Yongliang
Published: November 2019

Carbon capture is widely recognised as an essential strategy to meet global goals for climate protection. Although various CO2 capture technologies including absorption, adsorption and membrane exist, they are not yet mature for post-combustion power plants mainly due to high energy penalty. Hence researchers are concentrating on developing non-aqueous solvents like ionic liquids, CO2-binding organic liquids, nanoparticle hybrid materials and microencapsulated sorbents to minimize the energy consumption for carbon capture. This research aims to develop a novel and efficient approach by encapsulating sorbents to capture CO2 in a cold environment. The conventional emulsion technique was selected for the microcapsule formulation by using 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol (AMP) as the core sorbent and silicon dioxide as the shell. This paper reports the findings on the formulated microcapsules including key formulation parameters, microstructure, size distribution and thermal cycling stability. Furthermore, the effects of microcapsule quality and absorption temperature on the CO2 loading capacity of the microcapsules were investigated using a self-developed pressure decay method. The preliminary results have shown that the AMP microcapsules are promising to replace conventional sorbents.
Human Endogenous Retroviruses and Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Levet Sandrine , Charvet B. , Bertin A. , Deschaumes A. , Perron H. , Hober D.
Published: November 2019

Purpose of the Review

The aim of this review is to discuss recent data pointing at an involvement of human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) in type 1 diabetes (T1D) onset and progression.

Recent Findings

The envelope protein of HERV-W family, named HERV-W-Env, was detected in pancreata from T1D patients and was shown to display pro-inflammatory properties and direct toxicity toward pancreatic beta cells.

The etiopathogenesis of T1D remains elusive, even if conventional environmental viral infections have been recurrently involved. Nonetheless, a new category of pathogens may provide the missing link between genetic susceptibility and environmental factors long thought to contribute to T1D onset. A number of studies have now shown that HERV sequences, which are normally inactivated or repressed in the human genome, could be activated by environmental viruses. Thus, if similarly activated by viruses associated with T1D, disregarded HERV genes may underlie T1D genetic susceptibility. Moreover, once expressed, HERV elements may display broad pathogenic properties, which identify them as potential new therapeutic targets.
Self-Care and Pathophysiological Function in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure
Authors: Kessing Dionne , Denollet Johan , Widdershoven Jos , Kupper Nina
Published: November 2019

Background

Self-care is assumed to benefit physiological function associated with prognosis in patients with chronic HF, but studies examining these relations are lacking. This study aims to prospectively examine the association of self-reported HF self-care with HF-associated pathophysiological markers, including renal, hematological, and immune function.

Method

Patients with chronic HF (n = 460, 66.2 ± 9.6 years, 75% men) completed questionnaires and provided blood samples at baseline and 12-month follow-up. Linear mixed models examined random intercept and fixed between- and within-subjects effects of global self-care and the individual self-care behaviors on log-transformed TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10, the glomerular filtration rate of creatinine (GFRcreat), and hemoglobin (Hb), controlling for sociodemographic and clinical covariates.

Results

Self-care was independently associated with lower GFRcreat levels (β = − .14, P = .023) and improvement in self-care with a reduction in GFRcreat (β = − .03, P = .042). Individual self-care behaviors were differentially associated with renal, inflammatory, and hematological markers. Regular exercise was associated with level differences in IL-6 (P < .001), and improvement in exercise was associated with increasing GFRcreat (P = .002) and increasing Hb (P = .010). Fluid restriction was associated with lower overall GFRcreat (P = .006), and improvement in fluid restriction was associated with decreasing GFRcreat (P = .014). Low-sodium intake was associated with lower levels of Hb (P = .027), lower TNF-alpha (P = .011), and lower IL-10 (P = .029). Higher levels of medication adherence were associated with reduced pro-inflammatory activation (P < .007).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that better global self-care was associated with poorer renal function. Performing self-care behaviors such as regular exercise and medication adherence was associated with improved physiological functioning, while restriction of fluid and sodium, and the associated daily weight monitoring were associated with adverse levels of pathophysiological biomarkers.
The Missing Metric: An Evaluation of Fungal Importance in Wetland Assessments
Authors: Onufrak Aaron , Rúa Megan A. , Hossler Katie
Published: November 2019

To preserve wetland ecosystem function, federal and state agencies have developed assessment procedures to better manage remaining wetland areas. Currently, wetland assessments do not consider microorganisms when determining wetland quality. This is notable, because fungi are often the primary decomposers of organic material and thus important players in nutrient cycling. The objective of this study is to quantify how wetland quality, as measured using the Ohio Rapid Assessment Method (ORAM), relates to fungal community composition. We sampled soils from six depressional emergent marshes in Ohio belonging to each of the three ORAM quality categories, assessed soil physicochemical properties, and recovered fungal DNA. We then determined if wetland quality as expressed by the ORAM reflects soil health. Our results indicate that ORAM scoring methodology significantly explains differences in fungal community composition between wetlands. We also found that soil physicochemical properties not currently included in the ORAM are strong drivers of fungal community composition, particularly bulk density, pH, soil organic matter, and soil moisture. Overall, our results suggest fungal community composition reflects wetland quality as assessed by the ORAM, and that the ORAM and potentially other wetland assessments could better capture the soil environment by including easily measured soil physicochemical properties.
Promotion of maize growth by a yellow morel, Morchella crassipes
Authors: Phanpadith Phonepaserd , Yu Zhongdong , Yu Dan , Phongsavath Sitthixay , Shen Kuocheng , Zheng Wei , Phommakoun Buangurn
Published: November 2019

Fungal species of morel (genus Morchella) have recently been found to form a symbiotic relationship with grasses. Our previous study documented that M. crassipes from Shaanxi, northwest China, increased growth of sweet corn Zea mays var. saccharata and suppressed Fusarium infections. In the present study, we examined the effect of M. crassipes inoculation on dent corn, Zea mays var. indentata cv. Plant growth response indexes and variables and soil variables were used to demonstrate how M. crassipes inoculation stimulates maize growth. Three suspensions of M. crassipes mycelium (50, 100, 150 mL) were inoculated into Zea may var. indentata. The results showed that M. crassipes inoculation significantly affected growth of all the inoculated maize plants and influenced some variables and indexes that are related to tissue specificity and dose dependence. Soil moisture, available K and P accumulation by M. crassipes were affected in inoculated plants and resulted in growth enhancements that were equal to that of the plants treated with urea. Our findings reveal that inoculation with M. crassipes had a positive effect on maize yield, making the crop system more sustainable. Thus M. crassipes has the potential to become a supplement or an alternative to urea fertilizers.
Bacterial diversity in the gastrointestinal tracts of Rhinolophus luctus and Murina leucogaster in Henan Province, China
Authors: Sun Yan , Yuan Zhimin , Guo Yuming , Qin Yuanzhao , Ban Yongtian , Niu Hongxing , Bu Yanzhen
Published: November 2019

Purpose

Previous studies have assessed the diversity of gastrointestinal bacteria in bats and reported that some of the strains are pathogenic to humans; therefore, bats are considered to be potential reservoirs of zoonotic pathogens. However, the bacterial diversity and types of pathogenic bacteria in the gastrointestinal tracts of Rhinolophus luctus and Murina leucogaster have not yet been determined. Humans frequently come into contact with these species; therefore, assessments of their gut microbiota, especially potential pathogens, are essential for public health. In the present study, MiSeq high-throughput sequencing was used to address this research gap, and the results were compared with those reported previously.

Methods

The V3–V4 regions of the 16S rRNA gene were sequenced using the MiSeq high-throughput sequencing platform to determine the bacterial community of the stomach and the intestines of R. luctus and M. leucogaster.

Results

The bacteria in the gastrointestinal tracts of R. luctus and M. leucogaster were classified into three and four main bacterial phyla, respectively. In both R. luctus and M. leucogaster, the dominant phylum was Proteobacteria (stomach 86.07% and 95.79%, intestines 91.87% and 88.78%, respectively), followed by Firmicutes (stomach 13.84% and 4.19%, intestines 8.11% and 11.20%, respectively). In total, 18 and 20 bacterial genera occurred in a relative abundance of 0.01% or more in the gastrointestinal tracts of R. luctus and M. leucogaster, respectively. In R. luctus, the dominant genera were Lactococcus (10.11%) and Paeniclostridium (3.41%) in the stomach, and Undibacterium (28.56%) and Paeniclostridium (4.69%) in the intestines. In M. leucogaster, the dominant genera were Undibacterium (54.41%) and Burkholderia (5.28%) in the stomach, and Undibacterium (29.67%) and Enterococcus (7.19%) in the intestines. Among the detected gastrointestinal tract flora of R. luctus and M. leucogaster, 12 bacterial genera were pathogenic or opportunistic pathogens.

Conclusion

A high number of human pathogens were detected in the gastrointestinal tracts of R. luctus and M. leucogaster, which demonstrates the urgency for increased efforts in the prevention and management of bat-to-human disease transmission from these species.
Advancing from perception to reality: How to accelerate and achieve gender equity now
Authors: Leung Tiffany I. , Barrett Eileen , Lin Tammy L. , Moyer Darilyn V.
Published: November 2019

None
Super-resolution microscopy: successful applications in centrosome study and beyond
Authors: Fu Jingyan , Zhang Chuanmao
Published: November 2019

Centrosome is the main microtubule-organizing center in most animal cells. Its core structure, centriole, also assembles cilia and flagella that have important sensing and motility functions. Centrosome has long been recognized as a highly conserved organelle in eukaryotic species. Through electron microscopy, its ultrastructure was revealed to contain a beautiful nine-symmetrical core 60 years ago, yet its molecular basis has only been unraveled in the past two decades. The emergence of super-resolution microscopy allows us to explore the insides of a centrosome, which is smaller than the diffraction limit of light. Super-resolution microscopy also enables the compartmentation of centrosome proteins into different zones and the identification of their molecular interactions and functions. This paper compiles the centrosome architecture knowledge that has been revealed in recent years and highlights the power of several super-resolution techniques.
Change in the Epidemiological Profile of Hepatitis B in Brazil
Authors: Rueda Beatriz Zago Gomes , Gonçalves Luciana Lofêgo , Rueda-Dantas Mateus André , Ferreira Brunna Vila Coutinho , Zago-Gomes Maria da Penha
Published: November 2019

Infection caused by hepatitis B virus (HBV) is an important public health problem and can progress with death from cirrhosis and liver cancer. In 2017 it has been 21 years since the universal vaccination against HBV has been introduced in Brazil. The objectives are to analyze the reports of hepatitis B virus infection in the Brazilian public health system between 2010 and 2015 and to calculate incidence and prevalence of the hepatitis B virus infection. The methods are observational, descriptive, and cross-sectional epidemiological study of reports of hepatitis B infection in children under 20 years of age in Brazil between 2010 and 2015. There were 4275 cases in Brazil. The prevalence was 6.49 cases/100,000 inhabitants. The age group with the highest number of notifications in Brazil was from 15 to 19 years old (68.58%). The incidence dropped significantly in 2015, and the occurrences were predominant in females. The Amazon region presented the highest number of occurrences, annual incidence, and prevalence. The form of transmission was ignored in almost half of the cases, and the most reported form of transmission in Brazil was the sexual transmission. The most common coinfection was with the hepatitis delta virus (1.87%). Chronic hepatitis was the most prevalent clinical form. The prevalence and incidence of hepatitis B virus in children under 20 years of age showed a marked and progressive decrease, which indicates the efficacy of the vaccine. The form of sexual infection in adolescents reinforces the need for policies aimed at the prevention of sexually transmitted infections.
Gateway to securing the cloud
Authors: Mansfield-Devine Steve
Published: November 2019

For some years now, security professionals have been bemoaning the erosion – even disappearance – of the traditional network perimeter. First mobile computing, then the cloud rendered many of their traditional and well-honed tools, such as firewalls, less effective and, in some conditions, irrelevant. Other solutions came along to take their place, but as Simon Eappariello and Craig Talbot of cloud security firm iboss explain in this interview, today's IT and communications infrastructure is complex and requires a different mindset when it comes to security.
The Impact of Nationalism on Albanian–Slav Relations in Late Ottoman Macedonia: A Historiographical Review
Authors: Bego Fabio
Published: November 2019

The aim of this article is to inquire how recent and more consolidated historiographical trends consider the impact of nationalism in the late Ottoman Balkans. I focus on historical accounts of Albanian–Slav interaction in the late Ottoman Macedonian context, although the inquiry also includes texts that do not only engage with this epistemological field. I confront research efforts that have been published from the early 1960s to the present in order to understand the continuities and the discontinuities that characterize the work of historians. A preliminary investigation has allowed me to outline two main historiographical approaches: the national historiographies and the postnationalist approach. Such a distinction has become tangible especially after the end of the Cold War when a new generation of historians started to question the validity of the studies conducted by their colleagues in the past decades by pointing at the methodological and ideological issues that limited their work. In this article I evaluate to what extent the work of postnationalist historians is different from that of traditional historiographies and finally reflect on the possibility and benefits that might come from a dialogue between the two approaches.
Talk with me! Parental linguistic input to toddlers with moderate hearing loss
Authors: DIRKS Evelien , STEVENS Angela , KOK Sigrid , FRIJNS Johan , RIEFFE Carolien
Published: November 2019

This study examined the quantity and quality of parental linguistic input to toddlers with moderate hearing loss (MHL) compared with toddlers with normal hearing (NH). The linguistic input to eighteen toddlers with MHL and twenty-four toddlers with NH was examined during a 10-minute free-play activity in their home environment. Results showed that toddlers with MHL were exposed to an equivalent amount of parental linguistic input compared to toddlers with NH. However, parents of toddlers with MHL used less high-level facilitative language techniques, used less mental state language, and used shorter utterances than parents of toddlers with NH. Quantity and quality measures of parental linguistic input were positively related to the expressive language abilities of toddlers with MHL.
Exploring Bias in Student Evaluations: Gender, Race, and Ethnicity
Authors: Chávez Kerry , Mitchell Kristina M.W.
Published: November 2019

Research continues to accumulate showing that in instructor evaluations students are biased against women. This article extends these analyses by examining the dynamics between evaluations and gender and race/ethnicity. In a quasi-experimental design, faculty members teaching identical online courses recorded welcome videos that were presented to students at the course onset, constituting the sole exposure to perceived gender and race/ethnicity. This enables exploration of whether and to what degree the instructors’ characteristics influenced student evaluations, even after holding all other course factors constant. Findings show that instructors who are female and persons of color receive lower scores on ordinal student evaluations than those who are white males. Overall, we add further evidence to a growing literature calling for student evaluations of teaching (SETs) reform and extend it to encompass the effects on racial/ethnic minorities in addition to women.