bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the non‐asymptotic and sharp lower tail bounds of random variables
Authors: Zhang Anru R. , Zhou Yuchen
Published: September 2020

The non‐asymptotic tail bounds of random variables play crucial roles in probability, statistics, and machine learning. Despite much success in developing upper bounds on tail probabilities in literature, the lower bounds on tail probabilities are relatively fewer. In this paper, we introduce systematic and user‐friendly schemes for developing non‐asymptotic lower bounds of tail probabilities. In addition, we develop sharp lower tail bounds for the sum of independent sub‐Gaussian and sub‐exponential random variables, which match the classic Hoeffding‐type and Bernstein‐type concentration inequalities, respectively. We also provide non‐asymptotic matching upper and lower tail bounds for a suite of distributions, including gamma, beta, (regular, weighted, and noncentral) chi‐square, binomial, Poisson, Irwin–Hall, etc. We apply the result to establish the matching upper and lower bounds for extreme value expectation of the sum of independent sub‐Gaussian and sub‐exponential random variables. A statistical application of signal identification from sparse heterogeneous mixtures is finally considered.
Instandsetzung der Eisenbahnüberführung über den Main in Stockstadt – Austausch der Vorlandbrücken in Rekordzeit
Authors: Adomeit Roland , Springer Johannes , Hanf Manfred , Groneberg‐Kloft Beatrix , Berndorfer Claus
Published: September 2020

Der Austausch der Vorlandbrücken der Eisenbahnbrücke über den Main bei Stockstadt ist in vielerlei Hinsicht ein bemerkenswertes Projekt. Die jeweils über drei Felder durchlaufenden Vorlandbrückenbauwerke auf der Seite Mainaschaff sowie auf der Seite Stockstadt mussten aufgrund vorhandener Schäden im Rahmen einer Sofortmaßnahme ausgetauscht werden. Aufgrund des sehr kurzen Realisierungszeitraums geschah dies mit bewährten, an Zwillingsträgerhilfsbrücken angelehnten Konstruktionen. Neben einem kurzen Rückblick auf die Geschichte des Bauwerks berichtet der vorliegende Beitrag über Besonderheiten der Statik, der Konstruktion und der Montage der neuen Vorlandbrücken. Dabei wird u. a. auf die Herausforderungen dieses Projekts wie die extrem kurze Planungs‐ und Realisierungszeit von nur sieben Monaten von Februar bis August 2019 sowie auf die Wiederverwendung der vorhandenen Lager eingegangen.
Ultrasonic‐Assisted Preparation of Maize Starch–Caffeic Acid Complex: Physicochemical and Digestion Properties
Authors: Li Junhui , Tian Lei , Fang Yizhou , Chen Wenwei , Hunag Guangrong
Published: September 2020

As an energy‐saving and effective physical method, ultrasound technologies are gaining research attention for the production of modified starches. Corn starch–caffeic acid complexes are prepared via ultrasound process, and the effect of ultrasound power on the physicochemical properties and in vitro digestion of the complexes is investigated. The results of Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy and the amount of complexes analysis indicate that ultrasound can help with the formation of starch–caffeic acid complexes, and the amount of caffeic acid in complexes depended on the ultrasound power. Scanning electron microscopy shows starch–caffeic acid complexes exhibit obvious dense network structure with increasing ultrasound power. X‐ray diffraction results indicate the presence of V‐type crystalline polymorph between starch and caffeic acid under high power of ultrasound irradiation. The starch–caffeic acid complexes can significantly inhibit the swelling power of starch granules at high temperature and increase the solubility of starch granules. Furthermore, the in vitro digestion of starch–caffeic acid complexes is estimated, and the result shows that the resulting complexes from ultrasound have lower digestion properties. Taken together, it is proposed that ultrasound technology is an effective method for preparation of starch complexes with potential as a functional food and drug delivery system.
Effect of Calcium‐Fortified Potato Starch on Cecal Fermentation and Fat Accumulation in Rats
Authors: Nagata Ryuji , Taneda Kotomi , Pelpolage Samanthi Wathsala , Bochimoto Hiroki , Fukuma Naoki , Shimada Kenichiro , Tani Masayuki , Han Kyu‐Ho , Fukushima Michihiro
Published: September 2020

Calcium‐fortified potato starch (Ca‐PS) is fed to rats for four weeks, and the effects on cecal fermentation and lipid metabolism are evaluated. The relative abundance of Bifidobacterium pseudolongum in rat cecum is higher in the PS and Ca‐PS groups than in the control group. Cecal acetate content is higher in the Ca‐PS group than in the control, high‐amylose cornstarch (HAS), and PS groups, and is positively correlated with the relative abundance of B. pseudolongum. The relative abundance of the Clostridiaceae family is higher in the PS and Ca‐PS groups than in the control and HAS groups, and is positively correlated with the cecal n‐butyrate content and the molar proportion of n‐butyrate in total‐SCFA. Furthermore, the consumption of PS and Ca‐PS reduces the serum and hepatic triglyceride levels and mesenteric adipocyte area in rats. Therefore, Ca‐PS may have beneficial effects that enhance cecal fermentation, especially in terms of cecal acetate production, which further suppresses fat accumulation. This is the first study to report the physiological effects of Ca‐PS.
Idle chatter or compelling conversation? The potential of the social media‐based #NGSSchat network for supporting science education reform efforts
Authors: Rosenberg Joshua M. , Reid Joshua W. , Dyer Elizabeth B. , J. Koehler Matthew , Fischer Christian , McKenna Thomas J.
Published: September 2020

The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) chat (#NGSSchat) is a social media‐based professional network used to discuss topics related to the NGSS in the United States. While successful reforms involve and coordinate the work of multiple stakeholders, recent research points out a striking lack of coordination between the individuals working in different educational roles—to the detriment of intended changes in the system. In this study, we analyzed more than 7,000 posts from individuals participating in #NGSSchat on Twitter (n = 247) during 2 years of 1‐hr synchronous discussions. We studied the depth and types of conversations that took place, the extent to which the involvement of teachers, administrators, researchers, and organizations was balanced, and what explains participation in the network over time. Using a mixed‐methods approach involving social network analysis, we found that conversations were primarily transactional, or social, and substantive, or providing opportunities for sense‐making about the standards or for participants to transform their practice and that individuals from diverse roles participated, with teachers comprising the plurality of those involved. Additionally, researchers, administrators, and teachers were the most active in the network, with no differences in both initiating, or sending, and being the recipients of, or receiving, replies as a part of conversations. Finally, we found that being a teacher or administrator, as well as receiving replies from individuals who were important in the network, were positively related to sustained involvement in the network in the following year. We discuss how #NGSSchat—as a social media‐based professional network—demonstrates similar features in other effective networks, and how social media‐based networks invite new visions for how to implement ambitious, large‐scale changes in science education.
AC‐coupled gate driver with gate current switch under single power supply for normally‐off SiC JFET
Authors: Sakamoto Kozo , Yokoyama Natsuki , Hozoji Hiroshi
Published: September 2020

Theoretically, normally‐off silicon carbide (SiC) junction field‐effect transistors (JFETs) do not require a negative gate voltage supply because they are in an off‐state when the gate–source voltage is 0 V. However, most gate drivers for normally‐off SiC JFETs require not only a positive power supply for turning on the JFET but also a negative power supply for turning it off and maintaining a negative gate–source voltage to suppress a false turn‐on power loss caused by crosstalk during fast switching. Therefore, modifications of gate drivers increase complications and costs. In this study, a normally‐off SiC JFET gate driver, which can be realized using a simple circuit configuration with a single power supply, is proposed. To minimize undesirable crosstalk, the gate‐source voltage of the JFET is driven to a negative value and retained in the state for a long period of time. © 2020 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Inorganic arsenic‐mediated upregulation of AS3MT promotes proliferation of nonsmall cell lung cancer cells by regulating cell cycle genes
Authors: Sun Mingjun , Tan Jingwen , Wang Mengjie , Wen Weihua , He Yuefeng
Published: September 2020

Long‐term arsenic exposure can promote cancer through epigenetic mechanisms, and arsenite methyltransferase (AS3MT) plays an important role in this process. However, the expression patterns and mechanisms of AS3MT in arsenic carcinogenesis remain unclear. In this study, we found that the AS3MT was overexpressed in arsenic exposed population, non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tissues, and A549 cells with sodium arsenite (NaAsO2) treatment for 48 hours. Besides, the level of AS3MT expression was positively correlated with the concentrations of urinary total arsenic (tAs), inorganic arsenic (iAs), methanearsonic acid (MMA), and dimethylarsinic acid (DMA) in all subjects. Functional experiments demonstrated that siRNA‐mediated knockdown of AS3MT significantly inhibited proliferation of A549 cells. Mechanism investigation revealed that silencing of AS3MT inhibited proliferation by increasing mRNA expression levels of p21 and E2F1, and inhibiting CDK1, CDK2, CDK4, CDK6, Cyclin A2, Cyclin E1, Cyclin E2, and PCNA mRNA expression. Therefore, arsenic increased AS3MT expression in vivo and in vitro, which could directly act on the cell and affect the progression of NSCLC by regulating cell cycle genes.
The macro and micro of chromosome conformation capture
Authors: Goel Viraat Y. , Hansen Anders S.
Published: September 2020

The 3D organization of the genome facilitates gene regulation, replication, and repair, making it a key feature of genomic function and one that remains to be properly understood. Over the past two decades, a variety of chromosome conformation capture (3C) methods have delineated genome folding from megabase‐scale compartments and topologically associating domains (TADs) down to kilobase‐scale enhancer‐promoter interactions. Understanding the functional role of each layer of genome organization is a gateway to understanding cell state, development, and disease. Here, we discuss the evolution of 3C‐based technologies for mapping 3D genome organization. We focus on genomics methods and provide a historical account of the development from 3C to Hi‐C. We also discuss ChIP‐based techniques that focus on 3D genome organization mediated by specific proteins, capture‐based methods that focus on particular regions or regulatory elements, 3C‐orthogonal methods that do not rely on restriction digestion and proximity ligation, and methods for mapping the DNA–RNA and RNA–RNA interactomes. We consider the biological discoveries that have come from these methods, examine the mechanistic contributions of CTCF, cohesin, and loop extrusion to genomic folding, and detail the 3D genome field's current understanding of nuclear architecture. Finally, we give special consideration to Micro‐C as an emerging frontier in chromosome conformation capture and discuss recent Micro‐C findings uncovering fine‐scale chromatin organization in unprecedented detail.

This article is categorized under:

Gene Expression and Transcriptional Hierarchies > Regulatory Mechanisms

Gene Expression and Transcriptional Hierarchies > Gene Networks and Genomics
Access to Care During a Pandemic: Improving Planning Efforts to Incorporate Community Primary Care Practices and Public Health Stakeholders
Authors: Schmidt Mary E. , von Fricken Michael E. , Wofford Rachel N. , Libby Russel C. , Maddox Peggy J.
Published: September 2020

An effective community response during a pandemic requires public health infrastructure and capacity, the availability of technology and supplies, a knowledgeable and prepared workforce, as well as an incident management and leadership plan. Early in the COVID‐19 outbreak in the United States, care providers were challenged by information gaps, supply shortages, and lack of resource coordination in caring for patients, which affected their ability to care for patients. As an emergency unfolds in a community, preemptive planning is needed to prevent barriers to quality patient care, support disease surveillance and contact tracing, and optimize the use of limited resources ranging from personal protective equipment to disease testing and hospital care. The experience of primary health‐care providers during this pandemic provides useful information for understanding the gaps in emergency planning and management during a public health emergency.
Facile Synthesis of MOF‐derived Mn3O4@N‐doped Carbon with Efficient Oxygen Reduction
Authors: Xiao Li , Yuan Jie , Zhu Hai‐Bin
Published: September 2020

Integration of MnOx into the carbon matrix proves a viable strategy to improve the electrochemical performance of MnOx materials. Mn3O4 nanoparticle‐decorated N‐doped carbon composites (Mn3O4@N‐doped carbon) were facilely prepared from a non‐porous eight‐fold interpenetrated ZnII‐based MOF, which involves first synthesis of bimetallic Mn/Zn‐MOF in one‐pot reaction followed by direct pyrolysis at 1000 °C. In 0.1 m KOH solution, the optimal Mn3O4@N‐doped carbon exhibits decent oxygen reduction activity with the onset potential (Eonset) of 0.94 V (vs. RHE) and half‐wave potential (E1/2) of 0.81 V (vs. RHE), excellent methanol tolerance as well as good durability.
Stochastic Population Forecasting: A Bayesian Approach Based on Evaluation by Experts
Authors: Graziani Rebecca
Published: September 2020

We suggest a procedure for deriving expert based stochastic population forecasts within the Bayesian approach. According to the traditional and commonly used cohort-component model, the inputs of the forecasting procedures are the fertility and mortality age schedules along with the distribution of migrants by age. Age schedules and distributions are derived from summary indicators, such as total fertility rates, male and female life expectancy at birth, and male and female number of immigrants and emigrants. The joint distributions of all summary indicators are obtained based on evaluations by experts, elicited according to a conditional procedure that makes it possible to derive information on the centres of the indicators, their variability, their across-time correlations, and the correlations between the indicators. The forecasting method is based on a mixture model within the Supra-Bayesian approach that treats the evaluations by experts as data and the summary indicators as parameters. The derived posterior distributions are used as forecast distributions of the summary indicators of interest. A Markov Chain Monte Carlo algorithm is designed to approximate such posterior distributions.
A Three-Component Approach to Model and Forecast Age-at-Death Distributions
Authors: Basellini Ugofilippo , Camarda Carlo Giovanni
Published: September 2020

Mortality forecasting has recently received growing interest, as accurate projections of future lifespans are needed to ensure the solvency of insurance and pension providers. Several innovative stochastic methodologies have been proposed in most recent decades, the majority of them being based on age-specific mortality rates or on summary measures of the life table. The age-at-death distribution is an informative life-table function that provides readily available information on the mortality pattern of a population, yet it has been mostly overlooked for mortality projections. In this chapter, we propose to analyse and forecast mortality developments over age and time by introducing a novel methodology based on age-at-death distributions. Our approach starts from a nonparametric decomposition of the mortality pattern into three independent components corresponding to Childhood, Early-Adulthood and Senescence, respectively. We then model the evolution of each component-specific death density with a relational model that associates a time-invariant standard to a series of observed distributions by means of a transformation of the age axis. Our approach allows us to capture mortality developments over age and time, and forecasts can be derived from parameters’ extrapolation using standard time series models. We illustrate our methods by estimating and forecasting the mortality pattern of females and males in two high-longevity countries using data of the Human Mortality Database. We compare the forecast accuracy of our model and its projections until 2050 with three other forecasting methodologies.
Antihypertensiva in der Psychiatrie
Authors: Endres Katharina , Schiller Ernst , Haen Ekkehard
Published: September 2020

Hintergrund

Psychisch Kranke haben ein erhöhtes kardiovaskuläres Mortalitätsrisiko. Zur Prophylaxe und Therapie von Herz-Kreislauf-Erkrankungen werden insbesondere Antihypertensiva eingesetzt. In Kombination mit Psychopharmaka resultiert ein Interaktionspotenzial, wodurch das Erreichen therapeutischer Ziele beeinträchtigt werden kann.

Ziel

Das Verordnungsverhalten bei Antihypertensiva in psychiatrischen Kliniken und Praxen im deutschsprachigen Raum sowie das Interaktionspotenzial mit Psychopharmaka soll untersucht werden.

Methoden

Es erfolgte eine Auswertung der AGATE-„Stichtags“-Datenbank, welche anonym die Patientendaten Alter, Geschlecht, psychiatrische Hauptdiagnose sowie die verordneten Handelspräparate enthält. Die Auswertung der möglichen Interaktionen erfolgte mit PSIAC.

Ergebnisse

Zwischen 01.01.2012 und 31.12.2016 wiesen 27 % aller 21.980 erfassten Patienten eine Verordnung für mindestens ein Antihypertensivum auf, wobei der Anteil mit dem Alter auf 72 % bei den über 80-Jährigen anstieg. 48 % der antihypertensiv Behandelten erhielten eine blutdrucksenkende Monotherapie. Mit dem Alter stieg die Bedeutung der antihypertensiven Kombinationstherapie. Insgesamt wurden den Patienten im Median 7 Wirkstoffe verordnet, wodurch mathematisch 21 Interaktionen resultieren. Durch eine gleichzeitige Gabe von Psychopharmaka und Blutdrucksenkern kann es vor allem zu einem erhöhten Risiko für Hypotonie, unzureichende Blutdrucksenkung oder QTc-Zeitverlängerung kommen.

Diskussion

Antihypertensiva haben einen hohen Stellenwert bei der Behandlung psychiatrischer Patienten. Eine Interaktionsprüfung sollte durchgeführt werden, wenn die Pharmakotherapie ergänzt oder verändert werden soll. Allenfalls sollten Maßnahmen zur Verbesserung der Arzneimitteltherapiesicherheit erwogen werden.
A Stothers–Mason theorem with a difference radical
Authors: Ishizaki Katsuya , Korhonen Risto , Li Nan , Tohge Kazuya
Published: September 2020

Differential calculus is not a unique way to observe polynomial equations such as $$a+b=c$$

a
+
b
=
c

. We propose a way of applying difference calculus to estimate multiplicities of the roots of the polynomials a, b and c satisfying the equation above. Then a difference abc theorem for polynomials is proved using a new notion of a radical of a polynomial. Results, for example, on the non-existence of polynomial solutions to difference Fermat and difference Super-Fermat functional equations are given as applications. We also introduce a truncated second main theorem for differences, and use it to consider these functional equations with non-polynomial entire solutions. Equations with polynomial or non-polynomial solutions are observed to see the sharpness of results obtained.
Electrochemical multi-analyte point-of-care perspiration sensors using on-chip three-dimensional graphene electrodes
Authors: Bauer Meike , Wunderlich Lukas , Weinzierl Florian , Lei Yongjiu , Duerkop Axel , Alshareef Husam N. , Baeumner Antje J.
Published: September 2020

Multi-analyte sensing using exclusively laser-induced graphene (LIG)-based planar electrode systems was developed for sweat analysis. LIG provides 3D structures of graphene, can be manufactured easier than any other carbon electrode also on large scale, and in form of electrodes: hence, it is predestinated for affordable, wearable point-of-care sensors. Here, it is demonstrated that LIG facilitates all three electrochemical sensing strategies (voltammetry, potentiometry, impedance) in a multi-analyte system for sweat analysis. A potentiometric potassium-ion-selective electrode in combination with an electrodeposited Ag/AgCl reference electrode (RE) enabled the detection of potassium ions in the entire physiologically relevant range (1 to 500 mM) with a fast response time, unaffected by the presence of main interfering ions and sweat-collecting materials. A kidney-shaped interdigitated LIG electrode enabled the determination of the overall electrolyte concentration by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy at a fixed frequency. Enzyme-based strategies with amperometric detection share a common RE and were realized with Prussian blue as electron mediator and biocompatible chitosan for enzyme immobilization and protection of the electrode. Using glucose and lactate oxidases, lower limits of detection of 13.7 ± 0.5 μM for glucose and 28 ± 3 μM for lactate were obtained, respectively. The sensor showed a good performance at different pH, with sweat-collecting tissues, on a model skin system and furthermore in synthetic sweat as well as in artificial tear fluid. Response time for each analytical cycle totals 75 s, and hence allows a quasi-continuous and simultaneous monitoring of all analytes. This multi-analyte all-LIG system is therefore a practical, versatile, and most simple strategy for point-of-care applications and has the potential to outcompete standard screen-printed electrodes.
Fibrotic progression and radiologic correlation in matched lung samples from COVID-19 post-mortems
Authors: Barisione Emanuela , Grillo Federica , Ball Lorenzo , Bianchi Rita , Grosso Marco , Morbini Patrizia , Pelosi Paolo , Patroniti Nicolò Antonino , De Lucia Arduino , Orengo Giovanni , Gratarola Angelo , Verda Marta , Cittadini Giuseppe , Mastracci Luca , Fiocca Roberto
Published: September 2020

Data on the pathology of COVID-19 are scarce; available studies show diffuse alveolar damage; however, there is scarce information on the chronologic evolution of COVID-19 lung lesions. The primary aim of the study is to describe the chronology of lung pathologic changes in COVID-19 by using a post-mortem transbronchial lung cryobiopsy approach. Our secondary aim is to correlate the histologic findings with computed tomography patterns. SARS-CoV-2-positive patients, who died while intubated and mechanically ventilated, were enrolled. The procedure was performed 30 min after death, and all lung lobes sampled. Histopathologic analysis was performed on thirty-nine adequate samples from eight patients: two patients (illness duration < 14 days) showed early/exudative phase diffuse alveolar damage, while the remaining 6 patients (median illness duration—32 days) showed progressive histologic patterns (3 with mid/proliferative phase; 3 with late/fibrotic phase diffuse alveolar damage, one of which with honeycombing). Immunohistochemistry for SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein was positive predominantly in early-phase lesions. Histologic patterns and tomography categories were correlated: early/exudative phase was associated with ground-glass opacity, mid/proliferative lesions with crazy paving, while late/fibrous phase correlated with the consolidation pattern, more frequently seen in the lower/middle lobes. This study uses an innovative cryobiopsy approach for the post-mortem sampling of lung tissues from COVID-19 patients demonstrating the progression of fibrosis in time and correlation with computed tomography features. These findings may prove to be useful in the correct staging of disease, and this could have implications for treatment and patient follow-up.
Multi-aspect testing and ranking inference to quantify dimorphism in the cytoarchitecture of cerebellum of male, female and intersex individuals: a model applied to bovine brains
Authors: Corain L. , Grisan E. , Graïc J.-M. , Carvajal-Schiaffino R. , Cozzi B. , Peruffo A.
Published: September 2020

The dimorphism among male, female and freemartin intersex bovines, focusing on the vermal lobules VIII and IX, was analyzed using a novel data analytics approach to quantify morphometric differences in the cytoarchitecture of digitalized sections of the cerebellum. This methodology consists of multivariate and multi-aspect testing for cytoarchitecture-ranking, based on neuronal cell complexity among populations defined by factors, such as sex, age or pathology. In this context, we computed a set of shape descriptors of the neural cell morphology, categorized them into three domains named size, regularity and density, respectively. The output and results of our methodology are multivariate in nature, allowing an in-depth analysis of the cytoarchitectonic organization and morphology of cells. Interestingly, the Purkinje neurons and the underlying granule cells revealed the same morphological pattern: female possessed larger, denser and more irregular neurons than males. In the Freemartin, Purkinje neurons showed an intermediate setting between males and females, while the granule cells were the largest, most regular and dense. This methodology could be a powerful instrument to carry out morphometric analysis providing robust bases for objective tissue screening, especially in the field of neurodegenerative pathologies.
Bispecific antibodies targeting dual tumor-associated antigens in cancer therapy
Authors: Huang Shuyu , van Duijnhoven Sander M. J. , Sijts Alice J. A. M. , van Elsas Andrea
Published: September 2020

Purpose

Bispecific antibodies (BsAbs) have emerged as a leading drug class for cancer therapy and are becoming increasingly of interest for therapeutic applications. As of April 2020, over 123 BsAbs are under clinical evaluation for use in oncology (including the two marketed BsAbs Blinatumomab and Catumaxomab). The majority (82 of 123) of BsAbs under clinical evaluation can be categorized as bispecific immune cell engager whereas a second less well-discussed subclass of BsAbs targets two tumor-associated antigens (TAAs). In this review, we summarize the clinical development of dual TAAs targeting BsAbs and provide an overview of critical considerations when designing dual TAA targeting BsAbs.

Methods

Herein the relevant literature and clinical trials published in English until April 1st 2020 were searched using PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov database. BsAbs were considered to be active in clinic if their clinical trials were not terminated, withdrawn or completed before 2018 without reporting results. Data missed by searching ClinicalTrials.gov was manually curated.

Results

Dual TAAs targeting BsAbs offer several advantages including increased tumor selectivity, potential to concurrently modulate two functional pathways in the tumor cell and may yield improved payload delivery.

Conclusions

Dual TAAs targeting BsAbs represent a valuable class of biologics and early stage clinical studies have demonstrated promising anti-tumor efficacy in both hematologic malignancies and solid tumors.
How I do it: retrosigmoid intradural inframeatal petrosectomy
Authors: Meling Torstein R. , Zegarek Greg , Schaller Karl
Published: September 2020

Background

Lesions infiltrating the petrous temporal bone are some of the most complex to treat surgically. Many approaches have been developed in order to address these lesions, including endoscopic endonasal, anterior petrosectomy, posterior petrosectomy, and retrosigmoid.

Method

We describe in a stepwise fashion the surgical steps of the retrosigmoid intradural inframeatal petrosectomy.

Conclusion

The retrosigmoid intradural inframeatal petrosectomy may afford satisfactory exposure with limited drilling and minimal disruption of perilesional anatomical structures. It can provide excellent surgical results, especially for soft tumors, while minimizing surgical morbidity.
Methodical support for investigation of system behaviour by means of analysis techniques—overcoming non-transparency in embodiment design
Authors: Hölz Kevin , Grauberger Patric , Matthiesen Sven
Published: September 2020

One challenge in adaptive design of technical systems is insufficient understanding of the mechanical system behavior. The actual system behaviour often differs from the system behaviour expected by the designer. This is due, for example, to influences from manufacturing, wear, or errors in the designer’s understanding. For the analysis of the differences between expected and actual system behavior, the system behaviour can be observed. Special analysis techniques are often necessary for system observation. However, the missing methodical support in the system-specific use of analysis techniques is a challenge. In this contribution, a methodical support for the selection and adaptation of analysis techniques for system observation is developed. For this, known errors that occur during system observation are operationalised and provided as requirements for evaluation of analysis techniques. The support is provided as a Selection Matrix, in which the evaluated analysis techniques can be selected and adapted. This is evaluated considering an accompanying application to the non-transparent system wood screw connection. By using the analysis techniques selected with the method, it was possible to identify the actual system behaviour and gain new insights. Here, the Selection Matrix provided support through a structured evaluation of analysis techniques. The Selection Matrix also supported the adaptation of analysis techniques for improved observation of the system behaviour. No general statements on the quality of the support by the Selection Matrix are yet possible. Also, the operationalisation of the errors should be improved to reduce subjective influences. Therefore, these topics should be investigated in further studies.
Perceived personal deadlines for late-life preparation across adulthood
Authors: Lang Frieder R. , Rupprecht Fiona S.
Published: September 2020

Throughout adulthood, individuals follow personal timetables of deadlines that shape the course of aging. We examine 6-year-longitudinal data of perceived personal deadlines for starting with late-life preparation across adulthood. Findings are based on a sample of 518 adults between 18 and 88 years of age. Multilevel regression analyses were conducted to explore changes in personal deadlines for preparation in five domains (i.e., finances, end of life, housing, social connectedness, caregiving) in relation to calendar age, self-rated health, subjective position in life, and sociodemographic variables. Findings suggest that personal deadlines for starting preparatory activities differ depending on calendar age and domain of late-life preparation. Older adults as compared to younger adults are likely to report narrower deadlines for beginning with late-life preparation. Perceived deadlines for late-life preparation were furthermore found to be preponed and slightly dilated over time. Findings suggest that depending on age-graded opportunity structures, individuals flexibly adjust their personal deadlines for late-life preparation.
Josephson Memories
Authors: Hilgenkamp Hans
Published: September 2020

A brief overview will be provided on superconducting memory elements incorporating Josephson junctions, from the tunneling cryotrons in the 1960's to contemporary RSFQ devices, with an outlook to future developments such as Josephson junction-based neuromorphic circuitry.
Pressure-Dependent Models in Ship Piping Systems
Authors: Pérez Daniel Molina , Ramos-Arzola Lemuel C. , Torres Amadelis Quesada
Published: September 2020

This paper aims to evaluate the feasibility of pressure-dependent models in the design of ship piping systems. For this purpose, a complex ship piping system is designed to operate in firefighting and bilge services through jet pumps. The system is solved as pressure-dependent model by the piping system analysis software EPANET and by a mathematical approach involving a piping network model. This results in a functional system that guarantees the recommendable ranges of hydraulic state variables (flow and pressure) and compliance with the rules of ship classification societies. Through this research, the suitability and viability of pressure-dependent models in the simulation of a ship piping system are proven.
How specific can language as resource become for the teaching of algebraic concepts?
Authors: Planas Núria
Published: September 2020

Classroom research into mathematics and language has studied issues of context specificity such as cultures of explanation or the impact of language policies on practice. More recently, researchers in the domain have started to study issues of content specificity aimed at performing language-responsive mathematics teaching for the learning of precise mathematical content. Progress in the conceptualization of language as resource for mathematics teaching and learning makes it necessary to strengthen the discussion of the contexts of culture and interaction along with the linguistic demands given by the specificity of the mathematical content at play. In this paper, I introduce a sociocultural framing for a mathematical-linguistic view of grammar as resource with the focus on explicitness in communication. I then report developmental work with two teachers on their teaching of algebraic concepts, and address the question of how to learn to communicate explicit meanings for these concepts in classroom mathematical talk. The structuring principle adopted for this work was to critically distinguish and choose or produce instances of teacher talk that overtly communicated conceptual meaning within the algebra of equations. I conclude with preliminary evidence of the effectiveness of the work with the teachers.
An efficient multigrid-DEIM semi-reduced-order model for simulation of single-phase compressible flow in porous media
Authors: Li Jing-Fa , Yu Bo , Wang Dao-Bing , Sun Shu-Yu , Sun Dong-Liang
Published: September 2020

In this paper, an efficient multigrid-DEIM semi-reduced-order model is developed to accelerate the simulation of unsteady single-phase compressible flow in porous media. The cornerstone of the proposed model is that the full approximate storage multigrid method is used to accelerate the solution of flow equation in original full-order space, and the discrete empirical interpolation method (DEIM) is applied to speed up the solution of Peng–Robinson equation of state in reduced-order subspace. The multigrid-DEIM semi-reduced-order model combines the computation both in full-order space and in reduced-order subspace, which not only preserves good prediction accuracy of full-order model, but also gains dramatic computational acceleration by multigrid and DEIM. Numerical performances including accuracy and acceleration of the proposed model are carefully evaluated by comparing with that of the standard semi-implicit method. In addition, the selection of interpolation points for constructing the low-dimensional subspace for solving the Peng–Robinson equation of state is demonstrated and carried out in detail. Comparison results indicate that the multigrid-DEIM semi-reduced-order model can speed up the simulation substantially at the same time preserve good computational accuracy with negligible errors. The general acceleration is up to 50–60 times faster than that of standard semi-implicit method in two-dimensional simulations, but the average relative errors of numerical results between these two methods only have the order of magnitude 10−4–10−6%.
Effect of the structure of backward orifices on the jet performance of self-propelled nozzles
Authors: Fu Bi-Wei , Zhang Si , Liu Shao-Hu
Published: September 2020

Self-propelled nozzle is a critical component of the radial jet drilling technology. Its backward orifice structure has a crucial influence on the propulsive force and the drilling performance. To improve the working performance of the nozzle, the numerical simulation model is built and verified by the experimental results of propulsive force. Then the theoretical model of the energy efficiency and energy coefficient of the nozzle is built to reveal the influence of the structural parameters on the jet performance of the nozzle. The results show that the energy efficiency and energy coefficient of the backward orifice increase first and then decrease with the angle increases. The energy coefficient of forward orifice is almost constant with the angle increases. With the increase in the number and diameter, energy efficiency and energy coefficient of the forward orifice gradually decrease, but the backward orifice energy coefficient first increases and then decreases. Finally, it is obtained that the nozzle has better jet performance when the angle of backward orifice is 30°, the number of backward orifice is 6, and the value range of diameter is 2–2.2 mm. This study provides a reference for the design of efficiently self-propelled nozzle for radial jet drilling technology.
Evaluation of the content of a web tool aimed to identify early markers related to fall risk among middle-aged people
Authors: Folke Mia , Åkerberg Anna , Arkkukangas Marina , Kärnsund Annika , Johnsson Mikael
Published: September 2020

Today, the health care sector has no test for early age-related deterioration in physical ability. The aim of this study was to evaluate questionnaires, videos and physical tests whose task will be to identify early markers related to an increased fall risk in middle-aged people. If the person is aware of deficits in physical ability related to fall risk, the person can then use that knowledge to perform relevant training that can strengthen the physical ability related to fall risk. Self-efficacy for balance and strength, physical ability related to fall risk and body composition were measured for 36 middle-aged test participants. This study shows that the tested physical exercises were useful for self-assessment of physical ability. Impairment in physical ability could not be identified solely with measurement of body composition, walking speed, questions, videos that show adjustments that are common in people with impaired balance, or an extended version of the Short version of Activities-specific Balance Confidence scale. This study indicates that a combination of questionnaires, videos and physical exercises can evaluate physical ability and act as a method to identify early markers related to increased fall risk. The questionnaire, videos and physical exercises can be implemented in a web tool that could make persons aware that they have decreased physical ability regarding fall risk or that they needlessly make physical compensations when performing daily activities and thus are missing opportunities to strengthen their physical ability every day.
Saving bandwidth and energy of mobile and IoT devices with link predictions
Authors: Orsini Gabriel , Posdorfer Wolf , Lamersdorf Winfried
Published: September 2020

Use cases in the Internet of Things (IoT) and in mobile clouds often require the interaction of one or more mobile devices with their infrastructure to provide users with services. Ideally, this interaction is based on a reliable connection between the communicating devices, which is often not the case. Since most use cases do not adequately address this issue, service quality is often compromised. Aimed to address this issue, this paper proposes a novel approach to forecast the connectivity and bandwidth of mobile devices by applying machine learning to the context data recorded by the various sensors of the mobile device. This concept, designed as a microservice, has been implemented in the mobile middlewareCloudAware, a system software infrastructure for mobile cloud computing that integrates easily with mobile operating systems, such as Android. We evaluated our approach with real sensor data and showed how to enable mobile devices in the IoT to make assumptions about their future connectivity, allowing for intelligent and distributed decision making on the mobile edge of the network.
Asymmetric Expansion of Summer Season on May and September in Korea
Authors: Ho Chang-Hoi , Park Chang-Kyun , Yun Jeongmin , Lee Eun-Ju , Kim Jinwon , Yoo Hee-Dong
Published: September 2020

Global warming and its associated changes in the timing of seasonal progression may produce substantial ripple effects on the regional climate and ecosystem. This study analyzes the surface air temperature recorded during the period 1919–2017 at seven stations in the Republic of Korea to investigate the long-term changes at the beginning and ending of the summer season and their relationship with the warming trends of spring and autumn. The temperatures at the starting (June 1) and ending (August 31) dates of the past period (1919–1948) advanced by 13 days and delayed by 4 days, respectively, for the recent period (1988–2017). This asymmetric change was caused by continuous warming in May for the entire period of analysis and an abrupt warming in September in the recent decades. Different amplitudes of the expansion of the western North Pacific subtropical high in May and September are responsible for the asymmetric expansion of the summer season. The projections of surface warming for spring and autumn in Korea used the downscaled grid data of a regional climate model, which were obtained by the Representative Concentration Pathway 8.5 scenario of a general circulation model, and indicated a continuous positive trend until 2100. Larger interannual variability of blooming timing of early autumn flowers than that of late spring flowers may represent the response of the ecosystem to the seasonally asymmetric surface warming. Results suggest that the shift of seasons and associated warming trend have a disturbing effect on an ecosystem, and this trend will intensify in the future.
One stop shop IV: taxonomic update with molecular phylogeny for important phytopathogenic genera: 76–100 (2020)
Authors: Jayawardena Ruvishika S. , Hyde Kevin D. , Chen Yi Jyun , Papp Viktor , Palla Balázs , Papp Dávid , Bhunjun Chitrabhanu S. , Hurdeal Vedprakash G. , Senwanna Chanokned , Manawasinghe Ishara S. , Harischandra Dulanjalee L. , Gautam Ajay Kumar , Avasthi Shubhi , Chuankid Boontiya , Goonasekara Ishani D. , Hongsanan Sinang , Zeng XiangYu , Liyanage Kapila K. , Liu NingGuo , Karunarathna Anuruddha , Hapuarachchi Kalani K. , Luangharn Thatsanee , Raspé Olivier , Brahmanage Rashika , Doilom Mingkwan , Lee Hyang B. , Mei Liu , Jeewon Rajesh , Huanraluek Naruemon , Chaiwan Napalai , Stadler Marc , Wang Yong
Published: September 2020

This is a continuation of a series focused on providing a stable platform for the taxonomy of phytopathogenic fungi and fungus-like organisms. This paper focuses on one family:Erysiphaceaeand 24 phytopathogenic genera:Armillaria, Barriopsis,Cercospora,Cladosporium,Clinoconidium,Colletotrichum,Cylindrocladiella,Dothidotthia,,Fomitopsis,Ganoderma,Golovinomyces,Heterobasidium,Meliola,Mucor,Neoerysiphe,Nothophoma,Phellinus,Phytophthora,Pseudoseptoria,Pythium,Rhizopus,Stemphylium,ThyrostromaandWojnowiciella.Each genus is provided with a taxonomic background, distribution, hosts, disease symptoms, and updated backbone trees. Species confirmed with pathogenicity studies are denoted when data are available. Six of the genera are updated from previous entries as many new species have been described.
Wanneer flankpijn op de zenuwen werkt: een nieuwe diagnose?
Authors: Vrooman Olaf. P. J. , van Balken Michael R.
Published: September 2020

Samenvatting

Wanneer patiënten worden verwezen met flankpijn, zet de uroloog meestal laboratorium- en beeldvormend onderzoek in om pathologie aan de nieren en urinewegen aan te tonen of uit te sluiten. Bij een subgroep van patiënten kan geen afwijking worden aangetoond, wat in sommige gevallen leidt tot overmatige diagnostiek. Veelal is er weinig aandacht geweest voor een op de pijn gerichte anamnese en lichamelijk onderzoek. Aan de hand van twee ziektegeschiedenissen en literatuur willen we een ‘nieuwe’ diagnose van flankpijn onder de aandacht brengen.
Influence of arc energy and filler metal composition on the microstructure in wire arc additive manufacturing of duplex stainless steels
Authors: Wittig Benjamin , Zinke Manuela , Jüttner Sven
Published: September 2020

The influence of arc energy and filler metal composition on the microstructure of additively welded thin-walled structures of duplex stainless steels was investigated using different commercially available standard and superduplex solid wire electrodes commonly used today. As welding process, the cold metal transfer (CMT) process was used. The arc energy and cooling rate were varied by adjusting the wire feed and welding speed. Optical emission spectroscopy (OES) and carrier gas melt extraction (CGME) were used to determine the chemical composition of the specimens. The ferrite content was determined both by magnetic induction and by image analysis as a function of the wall height. In addition, the microsections were examined for intermetallic phases and precipitations. Moreover, corrosion tests were carried out according to ASTM G 48, Method A. The results indicate that an increase in arc energy leads to longer t12/8 cooling times. Depending on the filler metal composition, this leads to ferrite contents that are partially outside the values required according to ISO 17781. Furthermore, precipitates of secondary austenite are often found, which is attributed to the multiple reheating by the subsequent layers.
The asymmetric effects of 20 years of tariff reforms on Egyptian workers
Authors: Giovannetti Giorgia , Marvasi Enrico , Vivoli Arianna
Published: September 2020

After more than two decades of trade liberalization, faced with deep structural problems which were exacerbated by the 2008 financial crisis and culminated in the 2011 Spring Revolution and government change, in 2016 Egypt started to protect some sectors from foreign competition. This paper assesses how tariff reforms during the 1998–2018 period affected the Egyptian labour market by focusing on real wages and job stability (i.e. having a permanent position). The empirical analysis is carried out on worker-level data from the available four waves of Egyptian Labour Market Panel Survey (ELMPS), including the recently released 2018 wave. We find that higher tariff protection tends to worsen labour market conditions, both lowering real wages and decreasing the probability of finding a stable job. Furthermore, tariff changes show remarkable asymmetries. There is a negative and significant correlation between tariffs increases and real wages, while the positive impact of tariff reductions turns out to be negligible and insignificant. Our findings support the view that in Egypt protectionism hampered working conditions, contributing to inequality, while liberalizations did not improve nor deteriorate them.