bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cryo‐electron microscopy structure of human ABCB6 transporter
Authors: Wang Chunyu , Cao Can , Wang Nan , Wang Xiangxi , Wang Xianping , Zhang Xuejun C.
Published: October 2020

Human ATP‐binding cassette transporter 6 of subfamily B (ABCB6) is an ABC transporter involved in the translocation toxic metals and anti‐cancer drugs. Using cryo‐electron microscopy, we determined the molecular structure of full‐length ABCB6 in an apo state. The structure of ABCB6 unravels the architecture of a full‐length ABCB transporter that harbors two N‐terminal transmembrane domains which is indispensable for its ATPase activity in our in vitro assay. A slit‐like substrate binding pocket of ABCB6 may accommodate the planar shape of porphyrins, and the existence of a secondary cavity near the mitochondrial intermembrane space side would further facilitate substrate release. Furthermore, the ATPase activity of ABCB6 stimulated with a variety of porphyrin substrates showed different profiles in the presence of glutathione (GSH), suggesting the action of a distinct substrate translocation mechanism depending on the use of GSH as a cofactor.
Paeoniflorin‐6′‐o‐benzene sulfonate (CP‐25) improves vasculitis through inhibiting IL‐17A/JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway in endothelial cells of HFD CIA rats
Authors: Cai Xiao‐Yu , Ge Jing‐Ru , Xu Li , Liang Fa‐Qin , Zhu Yue , Tai Yu , Zhang Xian‐Zheng , Shu Jin‐Ling , Mei Dan , Han Le , Wang Chen , Tang Xiao‐Yu , Zhang Ling‐Ling , Wei Wei
Published: October 2020

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects not only joints but also multiple organ systems including cardiovascular system. Endothelial dysfunction plays an important role in cardiovascular diseases (CVD). In RA, endothelial dysfunction exists at both the macrovascular and the microvascular levels, which is a precursor to vasculitis. This study aimed to investigate the pathogenesis of vasculitis and the therapeutic effect of CP‐25 on vasculitis in high‐fat diet (HFD) collagen‐induced arthritis (CIA) rats. Experimental groups were divided into normal group, HFD group, CIA group, HFD CIA group, CP‐25 group and MTX group. In vitro, IL‐17A was used to stimulate human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), and then CP‐25 was used to intervene. Results showed that CP‐25 reduced global scoring (GS), arthritis index (AI), and swollen joint count (SJC) scores, improved histopathological score, reduced T cells percentage, and decreased IL‐17A and ICAM‐1 levels. Besides, CP‐25 reduced the expression of p‐STAT3 to normal levels in vascular of HFD CIA rats. In vitro, IL‐17A promoted the expression of p‐JAK1, p‐JAK2, p‐JAK3, pSTAT3, and ICAM‐1, and CP‐25 inhibited the expression of p‐JAK1, p‐JAK2, p‐JAK3, p‐STAT3, and ICAM‐1. In conclusion, CP‐25 might inhibit endothelial cell activation through inhibiting IL‐17A/JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway, which improves vasculitis in HFD CIA rats.
State constraints‐based adaptive neural network control for switched nonlinear systems with unmodeled dynamics
Authors: Long Lijun , Bian Yanan
Published: October 2020

This paper investigates the problem of state constraints‐based adaptive neural network tracking control for switched nonlinear systems with unmodeled dynamics. First, a switching‐dependent dynamic signal is designed to dominate unmodeled dynamics. Also, by introducing a nonlinear mapping, the limited state variables are transformed into new state variables without constraints in the switched systems framework, which permits removal of feasibility conditions for virtual control signals, when applying the barrier Lyapunov function (BLF) or integral BLF schemes. Second, adaptive neural network controllers of individual subsystems are constructed by exploiting backstepping and an improved average dwell time (ADT) method with dwell time reset, which guarantee that all signals in the resulting closed‐loop system are semi‐globally uniformly ultimately bounded under a class of switching signals with ADT and full state constraints are not violated, and furthermore, the tracking error converges to a small neighborhood of the origin. Finally, two examples, which include a two inverted pendulums as a practical example, are provided to demonstrate the applicability and effectiveness of the proposed design method.
Event‐triggered distributed Kalman filter with consensus on estimation for state‐saturated systems
Authors: Rezaei Hossein , Mahboobi Esfanjani Reza , Akbari Ahmad , Sedaaghi Mohammad Hossein
Published: October 2020

This study investigates the problem of event‐triggered distributed state estimation for discrete‐time, nonlinear systems with state saturation. A Kalman‐like filter is developed, and consensus is first achieved with respect to the prediction estimation. The accuracy of the computed estimation is then improved via two recursive equations. The filter gains are determined in each sensor node via utilization of only an upper bound for the common error covariance, thereby resulting in a lower computational burden. Finally, the boundedness of the estimation errors is analyzed, and a comparison of the simulation results demonstrates that the proposed filtering method outperforms a recent rival method.
Real‐time neural observer‐based controller for unknown nonlinear discrete delayed systems
Authors: Rios Jorge D. , Alanis Alma Y. , Arana‐Daniel Nancy , Lopez‐Franco Carlos
Published: October 2020

This work presents a neural observer‐based controller for uncertain nonlinear discrete‐time systems with unknown time‐delays. The proposed neural observer does not need previous knowledge of the model about the system under consideration, neither the value of its parameters, delays, nor their explicit estimations. The proposed neural observer is based on a neural network composed of two recurrent high order neural networks (RHONNs) for nonmeasurable state variables, one in a parallel configuration, and for measurable state variables one in a series‐parallel configuration. The neural network is trained on‐line with an extended Kalman filter algorithm. The proposed RHONN observer provides a mathematical model for the system. Based on such a resulting mathematical model, a control law is designed using discrete‐time sliding mode block control. Applicability is presented using real‐time results that show the performance of the proposal using a linear induction motor prototype as the selected system; this prototype is under the presence of varying time‐delays. A Lyapunov analysis is included to prove the semi‐globally uniformly ultimately boundedness (SGUUB) of the proposed RHONN observer‐controller scheme for uncertain nonlinear discrete‐time systems with unknown delays.
The role of natural resources abundance and dependence in achieving environmental sustainability: Evidence from resource‐based economies
Authors: Erdoğan Seyfettin , Çakar Nigar Demircan , Ulucak Recep , Danish  , Kassouri Yacouba
Published: October 2020

Proper use and efficient management of natural resources are critical to shaping a sustainable future in many resource‐rich countries in Africa. It is also well‐known that globalization creates a great awareness for sustainable resource extraction and provides cleaner production technology transfers to underdeveloped countries and enables them to establish a sustainable development pattern. However, evidence on the role of globalization in reducing the environmental impacts of natural resources in resource‐based economies is relatively scant. This study investigates sustainable future strategies by examining the role of natural resources, globalization, human capital, and urbanization in shaping the ecological footprint that is a broader indicator of environmental sustainability. To this end, Sub‐Saharan African countries—endowed with a rich natural resource base ranging from arable land, forest, freshwater, marine resources, oil, natural gas, minerals, and wildlife—are analyzed through advanced estimation techniques. Empirical results show that both resource dependence and abundance complicate to design a sustainable future by increasing the pressure on the environment. Similarly, urbanization deteriorates ecological conditions in Sub‐Saharan African countries. However, globalization and human capital seem the main sources of a cleaner and sustainable environment. The findings of the study shed new light on the main role of globalization in providing cleaner practices to reverse the negative influence of natural resource dependence and/or abundance on environmental quality.
Nanofountain Probe Electroporation Enables Versatile Single‐Cell Intracellular Delivery and Investigation of Postpulse Electropore Dynamics
Authors: Nathamgari Samba Shiva Prasad , Pathak Nibir , Lemaitre Vincent , Mukherjee Prithvijit , Muldoon Joseph J. , Peng Chian‐Yu , McGuire Tammy , Leonard Joshua N. , Kessler John A. , Espinosa Horacio Dante
Published: October 2020

Introducing exogenous molecules into cells with high efficiency and dosage control is a crucial step in basic research as well as clinical applications. Here, the capability of the nanofountain probe electroporation (NFP‐E) system to deliver proteins and plasmids in a variety of continuous and primary cell types with appropriate dosage control is reported. It is shown that the NFP‐E can achieve fine control over the relative expression of two cotransfected plasmids. Finally, the dynamics of electropore closure after the pulsing ends with the NFP‐E is investigated. Localized electroporation has recently been utilized to demonstrate the converse process of delivery (sampling), in which a small volume of the cytosol is retrieved during electroporation without causing cell lysis. Single‐cell temporal sampling confers the benefit of monitoring the same cell over time and can provide valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying processes such as stem cell differentiation and disease progression. NFP‐E parameters that maximize the membrane resealing time, which is essential for increasing the sampled volume and in meeting the challenge of monitoring low copy number biomarkers, are identified. Its application in CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, stem cell reprogramming, and single‐cell sampling studies is envisioned.
A Simple Blocking PCR‐Based Method for the Synthesis of High‐Copy dsDNA Tandem Repeats
Authors: Wang Xin , Yang Xuerui
Published: October 2020

DNA tandem repeats are frequently found in eukaryotic genomes. High‐copy DNA repeats can serve as building blocks of complex DNA structures, but the in vitro synthesis of DNA repeats has been challenging due to complicated procedures and the high cost. Here, a new, simple method is developed using the strategy of blocking polymerase chain reaction for highly efficient DNA repeat expansion (BPRE). With BPRE, dsDNA fragments composed of more than 40 copies of the repeat sequence can be quickly produced, while the cost is reduced by at least 90%. As a typical application, reannealing of the dsDNA repeats generates elastic hydrogels, which shows a high capacity for doxycycline absorption and prolonged release.
Adhesive Coacervates Driven by Hydrogen‐Bonding Interaction
Authors: Peng Qiongyao , Chen Jingsi , Zeng Zicheng , Wang Tao , Xiang Li , Peng Xuwen , Liu Jifang , Zeng Hongbo
Published: October 2020

Coacervation plays a critical role in numerous biological activities such as constructing biological tissues and achieving robust wet adhesion of marine sessile organisms, which conventionally occurs when oppositely charged polyelectrolytes are mixed in aqueous solutions driven by electrostatic attraction. Here, a novel type of adhesive coacervate is reported, driven by hydrogen‐bonding interactions, readily formed by mixing silicotungstic acid and nonionic polyethylene glycol in water, providing a new approach for developing coacervates from nonionic systems. The as‐prepared coacervate is easily paintable underwater, show strong wet adhesion to diverse substrates, and has been successfully applied as a hemostatic agent to treat organ injuries without displaying hemolytic activity, while with inherent antimicrobial properties thus avoiding inflammations and infections due to microorganism accumulation. This work demonstrates that coacervation can occur in salt‐free environments via non‐electrostatic interactions, providing a new platform for engineering multifunctional coacervate materials as tissue glues, wound dressings and membrane‐free cell systems.
Linear screening for high‐dimensional computer experiments
Authors: Li Chunya , Chen Daijun , Xiong Shifeng
Published: October 2020

In this paper, we propose a linear variable screening method for computer experiments when the number of input variables is larger than the number of runs. This method uses a linear model to model the nonlinear data and screens important variables by existing screening methods for linear models. When the underlying simulator is nearly sparse, we prove that the linear screening method is asymptotically valid under mild conditions. To improve the screening accuracy for some extreme cases, we also provide a two‐stage procedure that uses different basis functions in the linear model. The proposed methods are very simple and easy to implement. Numerical results indicate that our methods outperform existing model‐free screening methods.
How Did China Overcome the “Poverty Trap”?
Authors: Zhou Shaojie , Hu Angang
Published: October 2020

Throughout the development cycle of a country, major tasks and challenges may arise during various stages of development and the possibility of a period of stagnation exists in each stage. In the low-income stage, anemic economic growth, lagging human development, political instability and social unrest often lead to a vicious cycle in national development. For instance, many countries in Africa have so far failed to fight poverty effectively and remain mired in the “poverty trap”. In the middle-income stage, many countries fall into the “middle income trap”. Even if countries succeed in overcoming the “middle income trap”, their economic growth may still be plagued by the “high income trap”, with Japan being one such example.
Holographic Floquet states in low dimensions
Authors: Garbayo Ana , Mas Javier , Ramallo Alfonso V.
Published: October 2020

Abstract

We study the response of a (2+1)-dimensional gauge theory to an external rotating electric field. In the strong coupling regime such system is formulated holographically in a top-down model constructed by intersecting D3- and D5-branes along 2+1 dimensions, in the quenched approximation, in which the D5-brane is a probe in theAdS5×$$ {\mathbbm{S}}^5 $$S5geometry. The system has a non-equilibrium phase diagram with conductive and insulator phases. The external driving induces a rotating current due to vacuum polarization (in the insulator phase) and to Schwinger effect (in the conductive phase). For some particular values of the driving frequency the external field resonates with the vector mesons of the model and a rotating current can be produced even in the limit of vanishing driving field. These features are in common with the (3+1) dimensional setup based on the D3-D7 brane model [26, 27] and hint on some interesting universality. We also compute the conductivities paying special attention to the photovoltaic induced Hall effect, which is only present for massive charged carriers. In the vicinity of the Floquet condensate the optical Hall coefficient persists at zero driving field, signalling time reversal symmetry breaking.
Higgsing and twisting of 6d DN gauge theories
Authors: Kim Hee-Cheol , Kim Sung-Soo , Lee Kimyeong
Published: October 2020

Abstract

We propose Type IIB 5-brane configurations that engineer the 6d $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= (1, 0) SCFTs with SO(N) gauge symmetry coupled to a single tensor multiplet on a circle, by considering RG flows on Higgs branches of D-type conformal matter theories. We test the brane systems against known Calabi-Yau threefolds for the 6d SCFTs on a circle. In addition we study a new RG flow involving Higgs vevs of scalar operators with Kaluza-Klein momentum along the circle. The new RG flow results in the 5-brane webs for the 6d SCFTs of DN gauge symmetry compactified on a circle with Z2 outer-automorphism twist.
Learning physics at future e−e+ colliders with machine
Authors: Li Lingfeng , Li Ying-Ying , Liu Tao , Xu Si-Jun
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Information deformation and loss in jet clustering are one of the major limitations for precisely measuring hadronic events at future e−e+ colliders. Because of their dominance in data, the measurements of such events are crucial for advancing the precision frontier of Higgs and electroweak physics in the next decades. We show that this difficulty can be well-addressed by synergizing the event-level information into the data analysis, with the techniques of deep neutral network. In relation to this, we introduce a CMB-like observable scheme, where the event-level kinematics is encoded as Fox-Wolfram (FW) moments at leading order and multi-spectra of spherical harmonics at higher orders. Then we develop a series of jet-level (w/ and w/o the FW moments) and event-level classifiers, and analyze their sensitivity performance comparatively with two-jet and four-jet events. As an application, we analyze measuring Higgs decay width at e−e+ colliders with the data of 5ab−1@240GeV. The precision obtained is significantly better than the baseline ones presented in documents. We expect this strategy to be applied to many other hadronic- event measurements at future e−e+ colliders, and to open a new angle for evaluating their physics capability.
Topology design of two-fluid heat exchange
Authors: Kobayashi Hiroki , Yaji Kentaro , Yamasaki Shintaro , Fujita Kikuo
Published: October 2020

Heat exchangers are devices that typically transfer heat between two fluids. The performance of a heat exchanger such as heat transfer rate and pressure loss strongly depends on the flow regime in the heat transfer system. In this paper, we present a density-based topology optimization method for a two-fluid heat exchange system, which achieves a maximum heat transfer rate under fixed pressure loss. We propose a representation model accounting for three states, i.e., two fluids and a solid wall between the two fluids, by using a single design variable field. The key aspect of the proposed model is that mixing of the two fluids can be essentially prevented. This is because the solid constantly exists between the two fluids due to the use of the single design variable field. We demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method through three-dimensional numerical examples in which an optimized design is compared with a simple reference design, and the effects of design conditions (i.e., Reynolds number, Prandtl number, design domain size, and flow arrangements) are investigated.
A reference method for determining the total allergenic protein content in a processed food: the case of milk in cookies as proof of concept
Authors: Martinez-Esteso Maria José , O’Connor Gavin , Nørgaard Jørgen , Breidbach Andreas , Brohée Marcel , Cubero-Leon Elena , Nitride Chiara , Robouch Piotr , Emons Hendrik
Published: October 2020

The establishment of a reference method for the determination of the allergen protein content in a processed food material has been explored. An analytical approach was developed to enable the comparability of food allergen measurement results expressed in a decision-relevant manner. A proof of concept is here presented, resulting in quantity values for the common measurand, namely ‘mass of total allergen protein per mass of food’. The quantities are determined with SI traceability to enable the comparability of reported results. A method for the quantification of total milk protein content in an incurred baked food at a concentration level clinically relevant is presented. The strategy on how to obtain the final analytical result is outlined. Challenges associated with this method are discussed, in particular the optimal extraction of the marker proteins, the complete digestion and release of the peptides in an equimolar fashion, the use of conversion factors to translate the amount of measured proteins into total milk protein and the estimation of the uncertainty contributions as well as of the combined uncertainty of the final result. The implementation of such a reference method for the determination of the total allergen content in a processed food is an important step, which will provide comparable measurement data of relevance to risk assessors.
Microwave ablation enhances tumor-specific immune response in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Leuchte Katharina , Staib Elena , Thelen Martin , Gödel Philipp , Lechner Axel , Zentis Peter , Garcia-Marquez Maria , Waldschmidt Dirk , Datta Rabi Raj , Wahba Roger , Wybranski Christian , Zander Thomas , Quaas Alexander , Drebber Uta , Stippel Dirk Ludger , Bruns Christiane , von Bergwelt-Baildon Michael , Wennhold Kerstin , Schlößer Hans Anton
Published: October 2020

Thermal ablative therapies are standard treatments for localized hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In addition to local tumor destruction, ablation leads to abscopal effects in distant lesions most likely mediated by an anti-tumor immune response. Although microwave ablation (MWA) is increasingly substituting other ablative techniques, its systemic immunostimulatory effects are poorly studied. We analyzed tumor-specific immune responses in peripheral blood of HCC patients after thermal ablation with regard to T cell responses and disease outcome. While comprehensive flow cytometric analyses in sequential samples of a prospective patient cohort (n = 23) demonstrated only moderate effects of MWA on circulating immune cell subsets, fluorospot analyses of specific T cell responses against seven tumor-associated antigens (TTAs) revealed de-novo or enhanced tumor-specific immune responses in 30% of patients. This anti-tumor immune response was related to tumor control as Interferon-y and Interleukin-5 T cell responses against TAAs were more frequent in patients with a long-time remission (> 1 year) after MWA (7/16) compared to patients suffering from an early relapse (0/13 patients) and presence of tumor-specific T cell response (IFN-y and/or IL-5) was associated to longer progression-free survival (27.5 vs. 10.0 months). Digital image analysis of immunohistochemically stained archival HCC samples (n = 18) of patients receiving combined MWA and resection revealed a superior disease-free survival of patients with high T cell abundance at the time of thermal ablation (37.4 vs. 13.1 months). Our data demonstrates remarkable immune-related effects of MWA in HCC patients and provides additional evidence for a combination of local ablation and immunotherapy in this challenging disease.
Unusual DNA-binding properties of the Arabidopsis thaliana WRKY50 transcription factor at target gene promoters
Authors: Kanofsky Konstantin , Rusche Jendrik , Eilert Lea , Machens Fabian , Hehl Reinhard
Published: October 2020

Key message

WRKY50 from A. thaliana requires WT-boxes at target gene promoters for activation and binding.

Based on the genome-wide prediction of WRKY50 target genes and the similarity of a WRKY50 binding site to WT-boxes in microbe-associated molecular pattern (MAMP)-responsive cis-regulatory modules (CRM), four WT-box containing CRMs from the promoter region of three WRKY50 target genes were investigated for their interaction with WRKY50. These target genes are DJ1E, WRKY30 and ATBBE4. Two of the four CRMs, one from DJ1E and one from WRKY30, were able to activate reporter gene expression in the presence of WRKY50. Activation requires the WT-boxes GGACTTTT, GGACTTTG from DJ1E and GGACTTTC from WRKY30. WRKY50 does not activate a second CRM from WRKY30 and the CRM from ATBBE4, both containing the WT-box TGACTTTT. In vitro gel-shift assays demonstrate WT-box-specific binding of the WRKY50 DNA-binding domain to all four CRMs. This work shows a high flexibility of WRKY50 binding site recognition beyond the classic W-box TTGACC/T.
Impact of COVID-19 on patient–doctor interaction in a complex radiation therapy facility
Authors: Desideri Isacco , Francolini G. , Ciccone L. P. , Stocchi G. , Salvestrini V. , Aquilano M. , Greto D. , Bonomo P. , Meattini I. , Scotti V. , Scoccianti S. , Simontacchi G. , Livi L.
Published: October 2020

Purpose

In the last months, Italy faced a COVID-19 emergency and implemented preventive measures in order to protect patients and healthcare providers from a disease outbreak. The pandemic control strategies impacted patient experience directly. Questionnaires evaluating patients reported measures (PREMs) may assess critical issues and represent a helpful tool to measure the patient perception of healthcare service. Our aim was to prospectively assess patient satisfaction about doctor–patient interaction in a high-volume radiation therapy and oncology center during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

Cancer patients receiving either systemic and/or radiation treatment underwent a survey. Two validated questionnaires (EORTC QLQ-C30, FACIT-TS-G version 1) and 14 specific questions evaluating patients’ perception of COVID-19 measures were administered.

Results

One hundred twenty-five patients admitted to our department from 1–30 April 2020 completed the questionnaires. The majority (66.4%) of patients were women and the most common disease was breast cancer (40%). The average Global Health Status (GHS) of EORTC QLQ-C30 was 61.67. Emotional functioning, social, and cognitive domains obtained scores of 75.48, 80.13, and 84.67, respectively. FACIT-TS-G results revealed 120 patients rated the treatments effective and 108 patients thought the side effects were the same as expected or better. Most (89.6%) rated their treatment good, very good, or excellent. Concerning COVID-19-related questions, patients reported overall very good level of information.

Conclusions

Despite the introduction of strict COVID-19 control measures, there was a high level of cancer outpatient satisfaction. The satisfaction levels may influence compliance, continuity of treatments, and patient–doctor communication, impacting the quality of clinical care in the next phases of the pandemic.
Determining the protective characteristics and risk factors for the development of anastomotic leakage after low anterior resection for rectal cancer
Authors: Suzuki Nobuaki , Yoshida Shin , Tomochika Shinobu , Nakagami Yuki , Shindo Yoshitaro , Tokumitsu Yukio , Iida Michihisa , Takeda Shigeru , Hazama Shoichi , Ueno Tomio , Nagano Hiroaki
Published: October 2020

Purpose

Anastomotic leakage is one of the most serious postoperative complications associated with surgery for rectal cancer. The present study aimed to identify the protective characteristics and risk factors associated with anastomotic leakage after low anterior resection for rectal cancer.

Methods

This was a retrospective, single-center study conducted between January 2009 and December 2017 at our institution. In total, 136 rectal cancer patients who underwent low anterior resection were included in the study. We analyzed preoperative and intraoperative factors. In addition, the pelvic dimensions were measured using computed tomography in all cases.

Results

Among the 136 patients, anastomotic leakage occurred in 21 (15.4%), including 18 males and 3 females. The median body mass index was 21.1 kg/m2. The construction of a covering stoma was found to be a protective factor. In addition, the operation time (≥ 373 min), intraoperative blood loss (≥ 105 ml), and size of the pelvic inlet (≥ 113 mm) were identified as risk factors for anastomotic leakage.

Conclusion

The construction of a covering stoma was a possible protective factor. However, a longer operation time, higher intraoperative blood loss, and larger pelvic inlet dimensions were possible risk factors for developing anastomotic leakage after low anterior resection in patients with rectal cancer.
Brazil’s emission trajectories in a well-below 2 °C world: the role of disruptive technologies versus land-based mitigation in an already low-emission energy system
Authors: Köberle Alexandre C. , Rochedo Pedro R. R. , Lucena André F. P. , Szklo Alexandre , Schaeffer Roberto
Published: October 2020

The Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to the Paris Agreement (PA) submitted so far do not put the world on track to meet the targets of the Agreement and by 2020 countries should ratchet up ambition in the new round of NDCs. Brazil’s NDC to the PA received mixed reviews and has been rated as “medium” ambition. We use the Brazil Land Use and Energy System (BLUES) model to explore low-emission scenarios for Brazil for the 2010–2050 period that cost-effectively raise ambition to levels consistent with PA targets. Our results reinforce the fundamental role of the agriculture, forest, and land use (AFOLU) sectors and explore inter-sectoral linkages to power generation and transportation. We identify transportation as a prime candidate for decarbonization, leveraging Brazil’s already low-carbon electricity production and its high bioenergy production. Results indicate the most important mitigation measures are electrification of the light-duty vehicle (LDV) fleet for passenger transportation, biodiesel and biokerosene production via Fischer-Tropsch synthesis from lignocellulosic feedstock, and intensification of agricultural production. The use of carbon capture and storage (CCS) as well as netzero deforestation make significant contributions. We identify opportunities for Brazil, but synergies and trade-offs across sectors should be minded when designing climate policies.
Data mining tools -a case study for network intrusion detection
Authors: Hosseini Soodeh , Sardo Saman Rafiee
Published: October 2020

With the growth of data mining and machine learning approaches in recent years, many efforts have been made to generalize these sciences so that researchers from any field can easily utilize these sciences. One of the most important of these efforts is the development of data mining tools that try to hide the complexities from researchers so that they can achieve a professional output with any level of knowledge. This paper is focused on reviewing and comparing data mining and machine learning tools including WEKA, KNIME, Keel, Orange, Azure, IBM SPSS Modeler, R and Scikit-Learn to show what approach each of these methods has taken in the face of the complexities and problems of different scenarios of generalization of data mining and machine learning. In addition, for a more detailed review, this paper examines the challenge of network intrusion detection in two tools, Knime with graphical interface and Scikit-Learn with coding environment.
The ability to return to work: a patient-centered outcome parameter following glioma surgery
Authors: Senft Christian , Behrens Marion , Lortz Irina , Wenger Katharina , Filipski Katharina , Seifert Volker , Forster Marie-Thérèse
Published: October 2020

Background

With refinements in diagnosis and therapy of gliomas, the importance of survival time as the sole outcome parameter has decreased, and patient-centered outcome parameters have gained interest. Pursuing a profession is an indispensable component of human happiness. The aim of this study was to analyze the professional outcomes besides their neuro-oncological and functional evaluation after surgery for gliomas in eloquent areas.

Methods

We assessed neuro-oncological and functional outcomes of patients with gliomas WHO grades II and III undergoing surgery between 2012 and 2018. All patients underwent routine follow-up and adjuvant treatment. Treatment and survival parameters were collected prospectively. Repercussions of the disease on the patients’ professional status, socio-economic situation, and neurocognitive function were evaluated retrospectively with questionnaires.

Results

We analyzed data of 58 patients with gliomas (WHO II: 9; III: 49). Median patient age was 35.8 years (range 21–63 years). Awake surgery techniques were applied in 32 patients (55.2%). Gross total and subtotal tumor resections were achieved in 33 (56.9%) and 17 (29.3%) patients, respectively, whereas in 8 patients (13.8%) resection had to remain partial. Most patients (n = 46; 79.3%) received adjuvant treatment. Median follow up was 43.8 months (range 11–82 months). After treatment 41 patients (70.7%) were able to resume a working life. Median time until returning to work was 8.0 months (range 0.2–22.0 months). To be younger than 40 at the time of the surgery was associated with a higher probability to return to work (p < .001). Multivariable regression analysis showed that patient age < 40 years as well as occupational group and self-reported fatigue were factors independently associated with the ability to return to work.

Conclusion

The ability to resume professional activities following brain tumor surgery is an important patient-oriented outcome parameter. We found that the majority of patients with gliomas were able to return to work following surgical and adjuvant treatment. Preservation of neurological function is of utmost relevance for individual patients´ quality of life.
A computational model of the cultural co-evolution of language and mindreading
Authors: Woensdregt Marieke , Cummins Chris , Smith Kenny
Published: October 2020

Several evolutionary accounts of human social cognition posit that language has co-evolved with the sophisticated mindreading abilities of modern humans. It has also been argued that these mindreading abilities are the product of cultural, rather than biological, evolution. Taken together, these claims suggest that the evolution of language has played an important role in the cultural evolution of human social cognition. Here we present a new computational model which formalises the assumptions that underlie this hypothesis, in order to explore how language and mindreading interact through cultural evolution. This model treats communicative behaviour as an interplay between the context in which communication occurs, an agent’s individual perspective on the world, and the agent’s lexicon. However, each agent’s perspective and lexicon are private mental representations, not directly observable to other agents. Learners are therefore confronted with the task of jointly inferring the lexicon and perspective of their cultural parent, based on their utterances in context. Simulation results show that given these assumptions, an informative lexicon evolves not just under a pressure to be successful at communicating, but also under a pressure for accurate perspective-inference. When such a lexicon evolves, agents become better at inferring others’ perspectives; not because their innate ability to learn about perspectives changes, but because sharing a language (of the right type) with others helps them to do so.
Using Multiple Imputation with GEE with Non-monotone Missing Longitudinal Binary Outcomes
Authors: Lipsitz Stuart R. , Fitzmaurice Garrett M. , Weiss Roger D.
Published: October 2020

This paper considers multiple imputation (MI) approaches for handling non-monotone missing longitudinal binary responses when estimating parameters of a marginal model using generalized estimating equations (GEE). GEE has been shown to yield consistent estimates of the regression parameters for a marginal model when data are missing completely at random (MCAR). However, when data are missing at random (MAR), the GEE estimates may not be consistent; the MI approaches proposed in this paper minimize bias under MAR. The first MI approach proposed is based on a multivariate normal distribution, but with the addition of pairwise products among the binary outcomes to the multivariate normal vector. Even though the multivariate normal does not impute 0 or 1 values for the missing binary responses, as discussed by Horton et al. (Am Stat 57:229–232, 2003), we suggest not rounding when filling in the missing binary data because it could increase bias. The second MI approach considered is the fully conditional specification (FCS) approach. In this approach, we specify a logistic regression model for each outcome given the outcomes at other time points and the covariates. Typically, one would only include main effects of the outcome at the other times as predictors in the FCS approach, but we explore if bias can be reduced by also including pairwise interactions of the outcomes at other time point in the FCS. In a study of asymptotic bias with non-monotone missing data, the proposed MI approaches are also compared to GEE without imputation. Finally, the proposed methods are illustrated using data from a longitudinal clinical trial comparing four psychosocial treatments from the National Institute on Drug Abuse Collaborative Cocaine Treatment Study, where patients’ cocaine use is collected monthly for 6 months during treatment.
Small-medium enterprises and innovative startups in entrepreneurial ecosystems: exploring an under-remarked relation
Authors: Cavallo Angelo , Ghezzi Antonio , Rossi-Lamastra Cristina
Published: October 2020

To date, contributions in the field of entrepreneurial ecosystems have mainly focused on definitions, actors, key attributes, consequences on startups’ creation and growth, while conceding less space to key relations among actors. This study contributes to filling this gap by exploring the relation in entrepreneurial ecosystems between small-medium enterprises and a relevant class of startups: innovative startups. We take stock of extant knowledge to discuss the challenges and benefits of this relation. Then, we document that innovative startups tend to locate within Italian industrial districts, a peculiar case of entrepreneurial ecosystems where Italian small-medium enterprises tend to agglomerate, despite there is no evidence that they operate in the same industry of specialization of the Italian industrial districts. We interpret these results as a possible indication that innovative startups value the relation with small-medium enterprises. We provide an original review and illustrative evidence on small-medium enterprises and startups relations as few studies have done so far. Finally, the study presents a research agenda for stimulating novel directions for academic research and practice-oriented conversations on the role of small-medium enterprises and innovative startups in entrepreneurial ecosystems. We deem this is a relevant topic, given the importance of these relations, especially within entrepreneurial ecosystems located in countries where small-medium enterprises (often operating in traditional industries) are the main engine of local and regional development.
Liposomal Encapsulation of Oleuropein and an Olive Leaf Extract: Molecular Interactions, Antioxidant Effects and Applications in Model Food Systems
Authors: González-Ortega Rodrigo , Šturm Luka , Skrt Mihaela , Di Mattia Carla Daniela , Pittia Paola , Poklar Ulrih Nataša
Published: October 2020

The influence of actively/passively encapsulated oleuropein on DPPC liposomes thermal and structural properties, and its antioxidant capacity against lipid peroxidation were investigated. Also, an oleuropein-rich olive leaf extract was encapsulated in soy phosphatidylcholine (PL-90 g) and incorporated in model and commercial drinks. Oleuropein induced a concentration-dependent broadening and splitting of the gel-to-liquid phase transition temperature. Fluorescence measurements revealed a fluidizing effect on liposomes below their gel-to-liquid phase transition temperature, and a higher lipid ordering above, especially to active encapsulation. Oleuropein also showed an antioxidant effect against lipid peroxidation in PL-90 g liposomes. PL-90 g Liposomes with olive leaf extract showed a mean diameter of 405 ± 4 nm and oleuropein encapsulation efficiency of 34% and delayed oleuropein degradation at pH 2.0 and 2.8 model drinks. In conclusion, greater effects were observed on the structure and fluidity of DPPC liposomes when oleuropein was actively encapsulated, while its incorporation into acidic foods in encapsulated form could enhance its stability.
Better than the best? Answers via model ensemble in density-based clustering
Authors: Casa Alessandro , Scrucca Luca , Menardi Giovanna
Published: October 2020

With the recent growth in data availability and complexity, and the associated outburst of elaborate modelling approaches, model selection tools have become a lifeline, providing objective criteria to deal with this increasingly challenging landscape. In fact, basing predictions and inference on a single model may be limiting if not harmful; ensemble approaches, which combine different models, have been proposed to overcome the selection step, and proven fruitful especially in the supervised learning framework. Conversely, these approaches have been scantily explored in the unsupervised setting. In this work we focus on the model-based clustering formulation, where a plethora of mixture models, with different number of components and parametrizations, is typically estimated. We propose an ensemble clustering approach that circumvents the single best model paradigm, while improving stability and robustness of the partitions. A new density estimator, being a convex linear combination of the density estimates in the ensemble, is introduced and exploited for group assignment. As opposed to the standard case, where clusters are typically associated to the components of the selected mixture model, we define partitions by borrowing the modal, or nonparametric, formulation of the clustering problem, where groups are linked with high-density regions. Staying in the density-based realm we thus show how blending together parametric and nonparametric approaches may be beneficial from a clustering perspective.
Medial epicondylopathy—microtrauma and pathologic overuse as a cause of degeneration of the flexor tendons
Authors: Ott Nadine , Van Riet Roger , Hackl Michael , Wegmann Kilian , Müller Lars Peter , Leschinger Tim
Published: October 2020

Background

Medial epicondylitis is a common orthopedic condition that typically results from overuse or previous microtrauma of the flexor-pronator mass. Repetitive eccentric loading of the muscles leads to subsequent degeneration of the flexor tendons.

Diagnosis

Patients present with a painful elbow. In the case of concomitant elbow pathologies, including ulnar neuritis and ulnar collateral ligament injury, there should be a detailed examination. Generally, the diagnosis is based on the clinical examination. T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging can be useful for chronic courses, over 6 months.

Treatment

Nonsurgical management is the mainstay of treatment. Hence, surgical treatment may be indicated for patients with persistent symptoms after conservative treatment. In the case of a surgical treatment, arthroscopy can be useful to capture concomitant elbow pathologies.
Copernicus Sentinel imagery for more risk-resilient historic cities in coastal zones: contribution to the monitoring of Albenga archaeological site and delta of river Centa
Authors: Cuca Branka
Published: October 2020

Earth observation (EO) technologies and products are traditionally providing an extremely important contribution to a more efficient management of built areas and people during emergencies. Their employment could be extremely useful in monitoring and risk assessment of protected monument and sites situated in potentially vulnerable areas such as costal zones. Change detection has a crucial role in such activities, especially in case of hazardous events—on one side, this method can provide inputs in the phases of risk assessment and rapid mapping for immediate response; on the other side, over prolonged periods of time after the event, change detection can be used for purposes of option analysis of technical solutions and for overall recovery planning of the site. Workflow proposed is based on the use of Copernicus Sentinel-2 data to provide the comparison of changes occurring during extreme flooding events of river Centa, Liguria. Firstly, an investigation of NDVI and NDWI of the extreme flooding event occurring in November 2019 was conducted. The event was then put in correlation with another previously studied flooding hazard occurring in 2016 in the same area that has caused severe damages to the archaeological remains of the medieval church of San Clemente, situated within the Centa riverbed. In conclusion, the results from both years have been compared with ground truth data of topographic database in order to observe the extension of the flooded area and to provide contribution to the monitoring activities. The aim of the research was to offer some novel insight for a more informed decision-making during the risk assessment, risk management and resilience phases regarding the vulnerable built heritage sites found in coastal areas.
A method for the taphonomic assessment of bone tools using 3D surface texture analysis of bone microtopography
Authors: Martisius Naomi L. , McPherron Shannon P. , Schulz-Kornas Ellen , Soressi Marie , Steele Teresa E.
Published: October 2020

Increasingly researchers have employed confocal microscopy and 3D surface texture analysis to assess bone surface modifications in an effort to understand ancient behavior. However, quantitative comparisons between the surfaces of purported archaeological bone tools and experimentally manufactured and used bones are complicated by taphonomic processes affecting ancient bone. Nonetheless, it may be reasonable to assume that bones within the same deposits are altered similarly and thus these alterations are quantifiable. Here we show how unworked bones can be used to quantify the taphonomic effect on bone surfaces and how this effect can then be controlled for and incorporated into an analysis for evaluating the modified surfaces of purported bone tools. To assess the baseline taphonomy of Middle Paleolithic archaeological deposits associated with typologically identified bone artifacts, specifically lissoirs, we directly compare the surface textures of ancient and modern unworked ribs. We then compare the ancient unworked ribs and lissoirs to assess their differences and predict the ancient artifacts’ original surface state using a multilevel multivariate Bayesian model. Our findings demonstrate that three of five tested surface texture parameters (Sa, Spc, and IsT) are useful for distinguishing surface type. Our model predictions show that lissoirs tend to be less rough, have more rounded surface peaks, and exhibit more directionally oriented surfaces. These characteristics are likely due to anthropogenic modifications and would have been more pronounced at deposition. Quantifying taphonomic alterations moves us one step closer to accurately assessing how bone artifacts were made and used in the ancient past.
COVID-19 and shrinking civic spaces: patterns and consequences
Authors: Bethke Felix S. , Wolff Jonas
Published: October 2020

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, a majority of countries worldwide have introduced severe limitations on the freedom of assembly, if not an outright lockdown, in many cases complemented by restrictions on further civil and political rights. Although restrictions were generally considered necessary to save lives and protect health care systems from overburdening, they also pose the risk of government overreach, that is, governments may use the pandemic as a convenient opportunity and justification to impose restrictions for political purposes. In this sense, COVID-19 may give yet another substantial boost to a global trend that has been unfolding since the early 2000s: the shrinking of civic spaces, which is characterized by an increase in government restrictions that target civil society actors and limit their freedoms of assembly, association, and expression. The aim of the paper is to assess civic space restrictions that have been imposed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic with a view to exploring their immediate consequences as well as their potential mid-term implications for civil society organizations in general and contentious civic activism in particular. We do so by, first, providing evidence from multiple data sources about the global spread of COVID-19-related restrictions over time and across countries. Second, we identify key dynamics at work in order to assess the immediate consequences and the potential mid-term implications of these restrictions. These dynamics are illustrated by looking at experiences from individual countries (including Cambodia, Germany, Hungary, and Lebanon).