bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identifying the Hierarchical Influence Structure Behind Smart Sanctions Using Network Analysis
Authors: Hisano Ryohei , Iyetomi Hiroshi , Mizuno Takayuki
Published: October 2020

Smart sanctions are an increasingly popular tool in foreign policy. Countries and international institutions worldwide issue such lists to sanction targeted entities through financial asset freezing, embargoes, and travel restrictions. The relationships between the issuer and the targeted entities in such lists reflect what kind of entities the issuer intends to be against. Thus, analyzing the similarities of sets of targeted entities created by several issuers might pave the way toward understanding the foreign political power structure that influences institutions to take similar actions. In the current paper, by analyzing the smart sanctions lists issued by major countries and international institutions worldwide (a total of 73 countries, 12 international organizations, and 1,700 lists), we identify the hierarchical structure of influence among these institutions that encourages them to take such actions. The Helmholtz–Hodge decomposition is a method that decomposes network flow into a hierarchical gradient component and a loop component and is especially suited for this task. Hence, by performing a Helmholtz–Hodge decomposition of the influence network of these institutions, as constructed from the smart sanctions lists they have issued, we show that meaningful insights about the hierarchical influence structure behind smart sanctions can be obtained.
Conserved vector current in QCD-like theories and the gradient flow
Authors: Boers Marco , Pallante Elisabetta
Published: October 2020

Abstract

We present analytical results for the Euclidean 2-point correlator of the flavor- singlet vector current evolved by the gradient flow at next-to-leading order $$ \left(\mathcal{O}\left({g}^2\right)\right) $$

O

g
2

in perturbatively massless QCD-like theories. We show that the evolved 2-point correlator requires multiplicative renormalization, in contrast to the nonevolved case, and confirm, in agreement with other results in the literature, that such renormalization ought to be identified with a universal renormalization of the evolved elementary fermion field in all evolved fermion-bilinear currents, whereas the gauge coupling renormalizes as usual. We explicitly derive the asymptotic solution of the Callan-Symanzik equation for the connected 2-point correlators of these evolved currents in the limit of small gradient-flow time $$ \sqrt{t} $$

t

, at fixed separation |x − y|. Incidentally, this computation determines the leading coefficient of the small-time expansion (STE) for the evolved currents in terms of their local nonevolved counterpart. Our computation also implies that, in the evolved case, conservation of the vector current, hence transversality of the corresponding 2-point correlator, is no longer related to the nonrenormalization, in contrast to the nonevolved case. Indeed, for small flow time the evolved vector current is conserved up to $$ \mathcal{O} $$
O
(t) softly violating effects, despite its t-dependent nonvanishing anomalous dimension.
Epidemiology and predictors of traumatic spine injury in severely injured patients: implications for emergency procedures
Authors: Häske David , Lefering Rolf , Stock Jan-Philipp , Kreinest Michael ,   The TraumaRegister DGU
Published: October 2020

Purpose

This study aimed to identify the prevalence and predictors of spinal injuries that are suitable for immobilization.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study drawing from the multi-center database of the TraumaRegister DGU®, spinal injury patients ≥ 16 years of age who scored ≥ 3 on the Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) between 2009 and 2016 were enrolled.

Results

The mean age of the 145,833 patients enrolled was 52.7 ± 21.1 years. The hospital mortality rate was 13.9%, and the mean injury severity score (ISS) was 21.8 ± 11.8. Seventy percent of patients had no spine injury, 25.9% scored 2–3 on the AIS, and 4.1% scored 4–6 on the AIS. Among patients with isolated traumatic brain injury (TBI), 26.8% had spinal injuries with an AIS score of 4–6. Among patients with multi-system trauma and TBI, 44.7% had spinal injuries that scored 4–6 on the AIS. Regression analysis predicted a serious spine injury (SI; AIS 3–6) with a prevalence of 10.6% and cervical spine injury (CSI; AIS 3–6) with a prevalence of 5.1%. Blunt trauma was a predictor for SI and CSI (OR 4.066 and OR 3.640, respectively; both p < 0.001) and fall > 3 m for SI (OR 2.243; p < 0.001) but not CSI (OR 0.636; p < 0.001). Pre-hospital shock was predictive for SI and CSI (OR 1.87 and OR 2.342, respectively; both p < 0.001), and diminished or absent motor response was also predictive for SI (OR 3.171) and CSI (OR 7.462; both p < 0.001). Patients over 65 years of age were more frequently affected by CSI.

Conclusions

In addition to the clinical symptoms of pain, we identify ‘4S’ [spill (fall) > 3 m, seniority (age > 65 years), seriously injured, skull/traumatic brain injury] as an indication for increased attention for CSIs or indication for spinal motion restriction.
Impact of scaffold granule size use in Masquelet technique on periosteal reaction: a study in rat femur critical size bone defect model
Authors: Leiblein Maximilian , Winkenbach Andreas , Koch Elias , Schaible Alexander , Büchner Hubert , Marzi Ingo , Henrich Dirk , Nau Christoph
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The Masquelet technique for the treatment of large bone defects is a two-stage procedure based on an induced membrane. Compared to mature periosteum, the induced membrane differs significantly. However, both play a crucial role in bone regeneration. As part of a histological and radiological post-evaluation of an earlier project, we analyzed the influence of the granule size of the bone void filler Herafill® on development of periosteum regrowth in a critical size defect.

Methods

We compared three different sizes of Herafill® granules (Heraeus Medical GmbH, Wehrheim) in vivo in a rat femoral critical size defect (10 mm) treated with the induced membrane technique. After 8 weeks healing time, femurs were harvested and taken for histological and radiological analysis.

Results

A significantly increased regrowth of periosteum into the defect was found when small granules were used. Large granules showed significantly increased occurrence of bone capping. Small granules lead to significant increase in callus formation in the vicinity to the membrane.

Conclusion

The size of Herafill® granules has significant impact on the development of periosteal-like structures around the defect using Masquelet’s induced membrane technique. Small granules show significantly increased regrowth of periosteum and improved bone formation adjacent to the induced membrane.
Manufacturing of the surfaces of spline fitting connection
Authors: Bodzás Sándor
Published: October 2020

The aim of this publication is the analysis of the geometric establishment and the manufacturing designing and development of spline fitting promoting the engineer’s designing works. There are many connection possibilities according to the utilization on different constructions. Based on them, different technologies are needed for the manufacturing of the spline shaft and the spline hole. Generally, milling and grinding technologies are needed. These technologies will be analysed. We design mathematical models for the analysis of the milling technologies by mathematical way. We define the technological parameters and the computed machine time for the manufacturing designing process and recommend technologies for the different shapes.
Misreporting of program take-up in survey data and its consequences for measuring non-take-up: new evidence from linked administrative and survey data
Authors: Bruckmeier Kerstin , Riphahn Regina T. , Wiemers Jürgen
Published: October 2020

The international literature studies non-take-up behavior of eligible populations to evaluate the effectiveness of government programs. A major challenge in this literature is the measurement error regarding benefit take-up. In our data, we observe both actual welfare receipt and respondents’ survey information on their program take-up. This allows us to observe the measurement errors that other researchers must estimate. We describe survey misreporting and investigate how it biases the estimates of the magnitude and patterns of benefit take-up among eligible households. Our findings suggest that the extent of measurement error can be substantial. It varies with the characteristics of the misreporting population and is associated with the drivers of misreporting. This indicates that survey-based analyses of take-up behavior are likely subject to severe biases.
Analysis of a non-linear model of populations structured by size
Authors: Lo Grasso Anna , Totaro Silvia
Published: October 2020

The model we study deals with a population of marine invertebrates structured by size whose life stage is composed of adults and pelagic larvae such as barnacles contained in a local habitat. We prove existence and uniqueness of a continuous positive global mild solution and we give an estimate of it. We prove also that this solution is the strong solution of the problem.
Relationship Between Membrane Vesicles, Extracellular ATP and Biofilm Formation in Antarctic Gram-Negative Bacteria
Authors: Baeza Nicolas , Mercade Elena
Published: October 2020

Biofilms offer a safe environment that favors bacterial survival; for this reason, most pathogenic and environmental bacteria live integrated in biofilm communities. The development of biofilms is complex and involves many factors, which need to be studied in order to understand bacterial behavior and control biofilm formation when necessary. We used a collection of cold-adapted Antarctic Gram-negative bacteria to study whether their ability to form biofilms is associated with a capacity to produce membrane vesicles and secrete extracellular ATP. In most of the studied strains, no correlation was found between biofilm formation and these two factors. Only Shewanella vesiculosa M7T secreted high levels of extracellular ATP, and its membrane vesicles caused a significant increase in the speed and amount of biofilm formation. In this strain, an important portion of the exogenous ATP was contained in membrane vesicles, where it was protected from apyrase treatment. These results confirm that ATP influences biofilm formation. Although the role of extracellular ATP in prokaryotes is still not well understood, the metabolic cost of its production suggests it has an important function, such as a role in biofilm formation. Thus, the liberation of extracellular ATP through membrane vesicles and its function deserve further study.
Redundancy in distributed proofs
Authors: Feuilloley Laurent , Fraigniaud Pierre , Hirvonen Juho , Paz Ami , Perry Mor
Published: October 2020

Distributed proofs are mechanisms that enable the nodes of a network to collectively and efficiently check the correctness of Boolean predicates on the structure of the network (e.g., having a specific diameter), or on objects distributed over the nodes (e.g., a spanning tree). We consider well known mechanisms consisting of two components: aproverthat assigns acertificateto each node, and a distributed algorithm called averifierthat is in charge of verifying the distributed proof formed by the collection of all certificates. We show that many network predicates have distributed proofs offering a high level of redundancy, explicitly or implicitly. We use this remarkable property of distributed proofs to establish perfect tradeoffs between thesize of the certificatestored at every node, and thenumber of roundsof the verification protocol.
Pilotierung einer Ultrafiltrationsanlage an einem Uferfiltratstandort in Österreich – Untersuchungen der bakteriellen Zellzahlen und der biologischen Stabilität im Filtrat
Authors: Proksch P. , Kerschbaumer D. J. , Schönher C. , Zunabovic-Pichler M. , Mayr E. , Perfler R.
Published: October 2020

Ultrafiltration stellt eine immer öfter eingesetzte Aufbereitungsmethode für Trinkwasser dar, die insbesondere durch den zuverlässigen Rückhalt von Mikroorganismen ohne Veränderung der Zusammensetzung des Wassers hervorsticht. Aufgrund der komplexen Betriebsweise empfiehlt es sich jedoch, solche Anlagen vor der großtechnischen Herstellung durch eine Pilotierung zu testen. In diesem Artikel werden die Ergebnisse eines solchen Pilotierungsversuchs vorgestellt, wobei ein besonderes Augenmerk auf die durch Durchflusszytometrie bestimmten Zellzahlen und die mittels Wachstumsversuchen ermittelte Biostabilität gelegt wird. Dabei zeigte sich, dass im Filtrat einerseits die Zellzahlen nicht vollständig gegen Null gingen, was vermutlich auf filtratseitige Verunreinigungen zurückzuführen ist, und andererseits, dass diese wenigen Zellen durch das Vorhandensein zusätzlicher Nährstoffe ein starkes Wachstum aufwiesen und dadurch die Biostabilität maßgeblich beeinflusst wurde. Da in der weiteren Speicherung und Verteilung von Trinkwasser mikrobielles Wachstum so gut wie möglich zu vermeiden ist, ist es wichtig, unter solchen wachstumsfördernden Bedingungen entsprechende Maßnahmen zu setzen, die ein biologisch stabiles System gewährleisten.
Three-dimensional electron microscopy for endothelial glycocalyx observation using Alcian blue with silver enhancement
Authors: Mukai Shumpei , Takaki Takashi , Nagumo Tasuku , Sano Mariko , Kang Dedong , Takimoto Masafumi , Honda Kazuho
Published: October 2020

Glycocalyx (GCX) is a thin layer of negatively charged glycoproteins that covers the vascular endothelial surface and regulates various biological processes. Because of the delicate and fragile properties of this structure, it is difficult to detect GCX morphologically. We established a simple method for a three-dimensional visualization of endothelial GCX using low-vacuum scanning electron microscopy (LVSEM) on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) sections. Mouse kidney tissue was fixed with 10% buffered formalin containing 1% Alcian blue (ALB) via perfusion and immersion. FFPE sections were observed by light microscopy (LM) and LVSEM, and formalin-fixed epoxy resin-embedded ultrathin sections were observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The endothelial GCX from various levels of kidney blood vessels was stained blue in LM and confirmed as a thin osmiophilic layer in TEM. In LVSEM, the sections stained by periodic acid methenamine silver (PAM) revealed the endothelial GCX as a layer of dense silver-enhanced particles, in both the samples fixed via perfusion and immersion. Correlative light and electron microscopy (CLEM) revealed the fine visible structure of endothelial GCX. This simple method using FFPE samples with ALB will enable the three-dimensional evaluation of endothelial GCX alterations in various human diseases associated with endothelial injury in future studies.
Invariance of basic Hodge numbers under deformations of Sasakian manifolds
Authors: Raźny Paweł
Published: October 2020

We show that the Hodge numbers of Sasakian manifolds are invariant under arbitrary deformations of the Sasakian structure. We also present an upper semi-continuity theorem for the dimensions of kernels of a smooth family of transversely elliptic operators on manifolds with homologically orientable transversely Riemannian foliations. We use this to prove that the $$\partial {\bar{\partial }}$$

∂

∂

¯

-lemma and being transversely Kähler are rigid properties under small deformations of the transversely holomorphic structure which preserve the foliation. We study an example which shows that this is not the case for arbitrary deformations of the transversely holomorphic foliation. Finally we point out an application of the upper-semi continuity theorem to K-contact manifolds.
Hemiagenesis of the thyroid gland detected by coincidence—what is the clinical relevance?
Authors: Mikosch Peter , Weixlbaumer Verena , Irrgang Michael , Aistleitner Adrian , Trifina-Mikosch Eva
Published: October 2020

Hemiagenesis of the thyroid gland (THA) represents a rare congenital anomaly. It is characterized by the absence of one thyroid lobe, and sometimes the isthmus as well. It can occur with all kinds of other thyroid pathologies that may be present in the remaining thyroid lobe. A case of a 21-year-old male patient is presented; he sought a thyroid consultation because of hair loss, fatigue, and problems concentrating, thus raising the suspicion of hypothyroidism. Thyroid function was normal, but sonography of the thyroid gland revealed THA of the left lobe and the isthmus. The current knowledge concerning the genesis and the clinical consequences of THA are discussed based on the current literature.
Out-of-plane capacity of cladding panel-to-structure connections in one-story R/C precast structures
Authors: Menichini Giovanni , Del Monte Emanuele , Orlando Maurizio , Vignoli Andrea
Published: October 2020

The interaction between cladding panels and the main structure is a crucial point to assess the seismic response, and above all the structural safety, of RC precast industrial building. In the past, connections were often designed to allow construction tolerances and to accommodate both thermal and wind-induced displacements. The lack of specific details to allow relative in-plane displacements between cladding panels and the main structure often led to the participation of cladding panels in the structure seismic-resistant system with consequent connection failures. In the last decades, a lot of experimental tests were performed to investigate the in-plane performance of panel connections, and some design recommendations have been developed accordingly. In the out-of-plane direction, the connections were often considered to be infinitely rigid and not to suffer any damage by the seismic load. This work deals with the out-of-plane response of panel-to-structure connections for vertical panels typical of industrial and commercial precast buildings. Both standard hammer-head strap and new devices, called SismoSafe, were investigated. Tests were performed in the Structures and Materials Testing Laboratory of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering of Florence, where a specific setup was designed to perform cyclic and monotonic tests on the connection devices. Standard connections showed a rather limited resistance, while the innovative connections exhibited a high out-of-plane resistance. Numerical analyses were also performed on a case study building to evaluate the distribution of the out-of-plane demand on the connections.
Rhizobactin B is the preferred siderophore by a novel Pseudomonas isolate to obtain iron from dissolved organic matter in peatlands
Authors: Kügler Stefan , Cooper Rebecca E. , Boessneck Johanna , Küsel Kirsten , Wichard Thomas
Published: October 2020

Bacteria often release diverse iron-chelating compounds called siderophores to scavenge iron from the environment for many essential biological processes. In peatlands, where the biogeochemical cycle of iron and dissolved organic matter (DOM) are coupled, bacterial iron acquisition can be challenging even at high total iron concentrations. We found that the bacteriumPseudomonassp. FEN, isolated from an Fe-rich peatland in the Northern Bavarian Fichtelgebirge (Germany), released an unprecedented siderophore for its genus. High-resolution mass spectrometry (HR-MS) using metal isotope-coded profiling (MICP), MS/MS experiments, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) identified the amino polycarboxylic acid rhizobactin and a novel derivative at even higher amounts, which was named rhizobactin B. Interestingly, pyoverdine-like siderophores, typical for this genus, were not detected. With peat water extract (PWE), studies revealed that rhizobactin B could acquire Fe complexed by DOM, potentially through a TonB-dependent transporter, implying a higher Fe binding constant of rhizobactin B than DOM. The further uptake of Fe-rhizobactin B byPseudomonassp. FEN suggested its role as a siderophore. Rhizobactin B can complex several other metals, including Al, Cu, Mo, and Zn. The study demonstrates that the utilization of rhizobactin B can increase the Fe availability forPseudomonassp. FEN through ligand exchange with Fe-DOM, which has implications for the biogeochemical cycling of Fe in this peatland.
Identifying the weak spots in packaging paper: local variations in grammage, fiber orientation and density and the resulting local strain and failure under load
Authors: Lahti Jussi , Dauer Michael , Keller D. Steven , Hirn Ulrich
Published: October 2020

Measured local paper structure—i.e. local basis weight, local thickness, local density and local fiber orientation—has been linked to local strain and local material failure (local temperature increase due to energy dissipation upon fiber–fiber bond failure) measured during tensile testing. The data has been spatially linked through data map registration delivering several thousand$$1\times 1\,\hbox{mm}^2$$1×1mm2paper regions, each containing all measured properties. The relation between local paper structure and resulting local deformation and failure is studied with regression models. Multiple linear regression modeling was used to identify the paper structure related drivers for local concentrations of strain under load and local concentrations of material failure, which are both starting to occur considerably before rupture of the paper. Analyzing the development of local strain in paper we found that regions with higher basis weight and higher fiber orientation in load direction tend to exhibit considerably lower strain during tensile testing. Furthermore, the relation between local strain and local grammage can be predicted with the statistical theory of elasticity. Also regions with higher density have lower local strain, but not as pronounced. The findings for local fiber–fiber bond failure of paper are similar but not equivalent. The strongest correlation exists with local grammage. Local density and local fiber orientation show in turn weaker correlation with local bond failure. Local variations in paper thickness were not relevant in any case. These findings are highlighting the relevance of local fiber orientation and local density variations as structural mechanisms governing paper failure. In the past the focus has been mostly on paper formation. Together with local grammage (formation) they are responsible for the weak spots in paper, and thus cause local concentrations of paper strain and the initiation of failure under tensile load.
On the Equivalence Principle and Relativistic Quantum Mechanics
Authors: Trzetrzelewski Maciej
Published: October 2020

Einstein’s Equivalence Principle implies that the Lorentz force equation can be derived from a geodesic equation by imposing a certain (necessary) condition on the electromagnetic potential (Trzetrzelewski, EPL 120:4, 2018). We analyze the quantization of that constraint and find the corresponding differential equations for the phase of the wave function. We investigate these equations in the case of Coulomb potential and show that physically acceptable solutions do not exist. This result signals an inconsistency between Einstein’s Equivalence Principle and Relativistic Quantum Mechanics at an atomic level.
Inflammation Triggered by SARS-CoV-2 and ACE2 Augment Drives Multiple Organ Failure of Severe COVID-19: Molecular Mechanisms and Implications
Authors: Iwasaki Masae , Saito Junichi , Zhao Hailin , Sakamoto Atsuhiro , Hirota Kazuyoshi , Ma Daqing
Published: October 2020

Abstract

The widespread occurrence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has led to a pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The S spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 binds with angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) as a functional “receptor” and then enters into host cells to replicate and damage host cells and organs. ACE2 plays a pivotal role in the inflammation, and its downregulation may aggravate COVID-19 via the renin-angiotensin system, including by promoting pathological changes in lung injury and involving inflammatory responses. Severe patients of COVID-19 often develop acute respiratory distress syndrome and multiple organ dysfunction/failure with high mortality that may be closely related to the hyper-proinflammatory status called the “cytokine storm.” Massive cytokines including interleukin-6, nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) released from SARS-CoV-2-infected macrophages and monocytes lead inflammation-derived injurious cascades causing multi-organ injury/failure. This review summarizes the current evidence and understanding of the underlying mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2, ACE2 and inflammation co-mediated multi-organ injury or failure in COVID-19 patients.
Left-to-Right Asymmetry and Early Association in Korean
Authors: Kiaer Jieun
Published: October 2020

This paper shows Korean speakers’ strong preference for incremental structure building based on the following core phenomena: (1) left–right asymmetry; (2) pre-verbal structure building and a strong preference for early association. This paper argues that these phenomena reflect the procedural aspects of linguistic competence, which are difficult to explain within non-procedural grammar formalisms. Based on these observations, I argue for the necessity of a grammar formalism that adopts left-to-right incrementality as a core property of the syntactic architecture. In particular, I aim to show the role of (1) constructive particles; (2) prosody; and (3) structural routines in incremental Korean structure building. Though the nature of this discussion is theory-neutral, in order to formalise this idea I will adopt Dynamic Syntax [DS: Kempson et al. (Dynamic syntax: the flow of language understanding, Blackwell, Oxford, 2001); Cann et al. (The dynamics of language. Elsevier, Oxford, 2005)] in this paper.
Safety and Tolerability of Manual Push Administration of Subcutaneous IgPro20 at High Infusion Rates in Patients with Primary Immunodeficiency: Findings from the Manual Push Administration Cohort of the HILO Study
Authors: Cowan Juthaporn , Bonagura Vincent R. , Lugar Patricia L. , Maglione Paul J. , Patel Niraj C. , Vinh Donald C. , Hofmann Jutta H. , Praus Michaela , Rojavin Mikhail A.
Published: October 2020

Purpose

To evaluate the safety and tolerability of IgPro20 manual push (also known as rapid push) infusions at flow rates of 0.5–2.0 mL/min.

Methods

Patients with primary immunodeficiency (PID) with previous experience administering IgPro20 (Hizentra®, CSL Behring, King of Prussia, PA, USA) were enrolled in the Hizentra® Label Optimization (HILO) study (NCT03033745) and assigned to Pump-assisted Volume Cohort, Pump-assisted Flow Rate Cohort, or Manual Push Flow Rate Cohort; this report describes the latter. Patients administered IgPro20 via manual push at 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 mL/min/site for 4 weeks each. Responder rates (percentage of patients who completed a predefined minimum number of infusions), safety outcomes, and serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) trough levels were evaluated.

Results

Sixteen patients were treated; 2 patients (12.5%) discontinued at the 1.0-mL/min level (unrelated to treatment). Responder rates were 100%, 100%, and 87.5% at 0.5-, 1.0-, and 2.0-mL/min flow rates, respectively. Mean weekly infusion duration decreased from 103–108 to 23–28 min at the 0.5- and 2.0-mL/min flow rates, respectively. Rates of treatment-related treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) per infusion were 0.023, 0.082, and 0.025 for the 0.5-, 1.0-, and 2.0-mL/min flow rates, respectively. Most TEAEs were mild local reactions and tolerability (infusions without severe local reactions/total infusions) was 100% across flow rate levels. Serum IgG levels (mean [SD]) were similar at study start (9.36 [2.53] g/L) and end (9.58 [2.12] g/L).

Conclusions

Subcutaneous IgPro20 manual push infusions at flow rates up to 2.0 mL/min were well tolerated and reduced infusion time in treatment-experienced patients with PID.

Trial Registration

NCT03033745
Anisotropic stress state and small strain stiffness in granular materials: RC experiments and DEM simulations
Authors: Goudarzy Meisam , Magnanimo Vanessa , König Diethard , Schanz Tom
Published: October 2020

The paper combines experimental and numerical analyses to study the relation between small strain stiffness and micro-structure of an idealized granular material under isotropic and anisotropic stress conditions. Results from the resonant column device on glass ballotini show that the relation between the maximum shear modulus and anisotropic stress components strongly depends on the applied stress path. Discrete element simulations (DEM) are performed to investigate the material behaviour along isotropic compression, triaxial compression and constant$$\hbox {K}_0$$K0deformation. The DEM analysis reveals that each stress path is associated with a characteristic evolution of the coordination number, i.e., the average number of contacts per particle. In turn, the maximum shear modulus is found to be a direct function of the coordination number. In order to include the micro-structure interpretation in the analytical description, a modified version of Hardin’s relation is proposed as a function of coordination number, void ratio and mean pressure.
Coupling simulation with artificial neural networks for the optimisation of HVAC controls in manufacturing environments
Authors: Mawson Victoria Jayne , Hughes Ben Richard
Published: October 2020

Manufacturing remains one of the most energy intensive sectors, additionally, the energy used within buildings for heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) is responsible for almost half of the UK’s energy demand. Commonly, these are analysed in isolation from one another. Use of machine learning is gaining popularity due to its ability to solve non-linear problems with large data sets and little knowledge about relationships between parameters. Such models use relationships between inputs and outputs to make further predictions on unseen data, without requiring any understanding regarding the system, making them highly suited to dealing with the stochastic data sets found in a manufacturing environment. This has been seen in literature for determining electrical energy demand for residential or commercial buildings, rather than manufacturing environments. This study proposes a novel method of coupling simulation with machine learning to predict indoor workshop conditions and building energy demand, in response to production schedules, outdoor conditions, building behaviour and use. Such predictions can subsequently allow for more efficient management of HVAC systems. Based upon predicted energy consumption, potential spikes were identified and manufacturing schedules subsequently optimised to reduce peak energy demand. Coupling simulation techniques with machine learning algorithms eliminates the requirement for costly and intrusive methods of data collection, providing a method of predicting and optimising building energy consumption in the manufacturing sector.
Modeling of Atmospheric-Pressure Dielectric Barrier Discharges in Argon with Small Admixtures of Tetramethylsilane
Authors: Loffhagen Detlef , Becker Markus M. , Czerny Andreas K. , Klages Claus-Peter
Published: October 2020

A time-dependent, spatially one-dimensional fluid-Poisson model is applied to analyze the impact of small amounts of tetramethylsilane (TMS) as precursor on the discharge characteristics of an atmospheric-pressure dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) in argon. Based on an established reaction kinetics for argon, it includes a plasma chemistry for TMS, which is validated by measurements of the ignition voltage at the frequency $$f =86.2\, {\hbox{kHz}}$$

f
=
86.2

kHz

for TMS amounts of up to 200 ppm. Details of both a reduced Ar-TMS reaction kinetics scheme and an extended plasma-chemistry model involving about 60 species and 580 reactions related to TMS are given. It is found that good agreement between measured and calculated data can be obtained, when assuming that 25% of the reactions of TMS with excited argon atoms with a rate coefficient of $$3.0 \times 10^{-16}\, {\hbox{m}^3/\hbox{s}}$$

3.0
×

10

-
16

m
3

/
s

lead to the production of electrons due to Penning ionization. Modeling results for an applied voltage $${U}_{{\mathrm{a}},0} = 4\, {\hbox{kV}}$$

U

a
,
0

=
4

kV

show that TMS is depleted during the residence time of the plasma in the DBD, where the percentage consumption of TMS decreases with increasing TMS fraction because only a finite number of excited argon species is available to dissociate and/or ionize the precursor via energy transfer. Main species resulting from that TMS depletion are presented and discussed. In particular, the analysis clearly indicates that trimethylsilyl cations can be considered to be mainly responsible for the film formation.
US population norms for the EQ-5D-5L and comparison of norms from face-to-face and online samples
Authors: Jiang Ruixuan , Janssen M. F. Bas , Pickard A. Simon
Published: October 2020

Purpose

Normative scores (norms) allow for comparisons between population(s) of interest and the general population, which is useful for burden of disease studies and cost-effectiveness analysis. The primary aim of this study was to estimate US visual analogue scale (EQ VAS) and utility-based norms for the EQ-5D-5L using the face-to-face sample. The secondary aim was to compare norms estimated in the face-to-face and online populations.

Methods

This study estimated population norms from two general population surveys: (a) face-to-face and (b) online. In these surveys, respondents provided their health state using the EQ-5D-5L health classifier and the EQ VAS. Descriptive statistics, including mean, standard deviation (SD), 95% confidence interval, and median for the 5L utility and EQ VAS were estimated for each sample and across relevant respondent characteristics to serve as the basis for US EQ-5D-5L norms

Results

Face-to-face sample respondents (n = 1134) were representative of the US adult general population. In this sample, mean (SD) utility decreased with increasing age until age 45 or greater (age 45–54: 0.816 (0.249) age 55–64: 0.815 (0.243) age 65–74: 0.824 (0.217) age 75 + : 0.811 (0.218)). With increasing age, more problems were reported on all dimensions except anxiety/depression; a smaller proportion of respondents age 65 and older reported problems with anxiety/depression (23.8%) as compared to the youngest respondents (42.1%). Online (n = 2018) mean utility and EQ VAS values were consistently lower than the face-to-face sample.

Conclusions

The availability of US EQ-5D-5L norms facilitates interpretation and understanding of general population and patient health.
Does Migration Pay Off in Later Life? Income and Subjective Well-Being of Older Migrants in Europe
Authors: Gruber Stefan , Sand Gregor
Published: October 2020

This study examines whether intra-European migration pays off in terms of income and subjective well-being (SWB) for migrants aged 50 + who are now growing old abroad and in what way their SWB is associated with their relative income position. Using panel data from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe allows us to go beyond the classical comparison with the native reference group and draw on information about respondents who stayed in the place of origin (‘stayers’). Our findings indicate that migration does pay off in later life. Compared to similar stayers, migrants have higher income and higher SWB levels. Furthermore, we find that older migrants’ SWB is positively associated with their relative income position for those with an income above the income of both stayers in the origin and natives in the destination country.
Establishment and triterpenoid production of Ocimum basilicum cambial meristematic cells
Authors: Mehring Alexander , Haffelder Janik , Chodorski Jonas , Stiefelmaier Judith , Strieth Dorina , Ulber Roland
Published: October 2020

The application of plant suspension culture to produce valuable compounds, such as the triterpenoids oleanolic acid and ursolic acid, is a well-established alternative to the cultivation of whole plants. Cambial meristematic cells (CMCs) are a growing field of research, often showing superior cultivation properties compared to their dedifferentiated cell (DDC) counterparts. In this work, the first-time establishment of O. basilicum CMCs is demonstrated. DDCs and CMCs were cultivated in shake flasks and wave-mixed disposable bioreactors (wDBRs) and evaluated regarding triterpenoid productivity and biomass accumulation. CMCs showed characteristic small vacuoles and were found to be significantly smaller than DDCs. Productivities of oleanolic and ursolic acid of CMCs were determined at 3.02 ± 0.76 mg/(l*d) and 4.79 ± 0.48 mg/(l*d) after 19 days wDBR cultivation, respectively. These values were consistently higher than any productivities determined for DDCs over the observed cultivation period of 37 days. Elicitation with methyl jasmonate of DDCs and CMCs in shake flasks resulted in increased product contents up to 48 h after elicitor addition, with the highest increase found in CMCs at 232.30 ± 19.33% (oleanolic acid) and 192.44 ± 18.23% (ursolic acid) after 48 h.
The P2X7 ion channel is dispensable for energy and metabolic homeostasis of white and brown adipose tissues
Authors: Tian Tian , Heine Markus , Evangelakos Ioannis , Jaeckstein Michelle Y. , Schaltenberg Nicola , Stähler Tobias , Koch-Nolte Friedrich , Kumari Manju , Heeren Joerg
Published: October 2020

Several studies suggest a role of extracellular adenine nucleotides in regulating adipose tissue functions via the purinergic signaling network. Metabolic studies in mice with global deletion of the purinergic receptor P2X7 on the C57BL/6 background indicate that this receptor has only a minor role in adipose tissue for diet-induced inflammation or cold-triggered thermogenesis. However, recent data show that a polymorphism (P451L) present in C57BL/6 mice attenuates P2X7 receptor function, whereas BALB/c mice express the fully functional P451 allele. To determine the potential role of P2rx7 under metabolic and thermogenic stress conditions, we performed comparative studies using male P2rx7 knockout (KO) and respective wild-type controls on both BALB/c and C57BL/6 backgrounds. Our data show that adipose P2rx7 mRNA levels are increased in obese mice. Moreover, P2rx7 deficiency results in reduced levels of circulating CCL2 and IL6 with a moderate effect on gene expression of pro-inflammatory markers in white adipose tissue and liver of BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice. However, P2X7 expression does not alter body weight, insulin resistance, and hyperglycemia associated with high-fat diet feeding on both genetic backgrounds. Furthermore, deficiency of P2rx7 is dispensable for energy expenditure at thermoneutral and acute cold exposure conditions. In summary, these data show that—apart from a moderate effect on inflammatory cytokines—P2X7 plays only a minor role in inflammatory and thermogenic effects of white and brown adipose tissue even on the BALB/c background.
Why Aboutness Matters: Meta-Fictionalism as a Case Study
Authors: Plebani Matteo
Published: October 2020

Recent work in the philosophy of language attempts to elucidate the elusive notion of aboutness (Berto 2018; Lewis 1988; Fine 2017a, b; Hawke 2017; Moltmann 2018; Yablo 2014). A natural question concerning such a project has to do with its motivation: why is the notion of aboutness important? Stephen Yablo (2014) offers an interesting answer: taking into consideration not only the conditions under which a sentence is true, but also what a sentence is about opens the door to a new style of criticism of certain philosophical analyses. We might criticize the analysis of a given notion not because it fails to assign the right truth conditions to a class of sentences, but because it characterizes those sentences as being about something they are not about. In this paper, I apply Yablo’s suggestion to a case study. I consider meta-fictionalism, the view that the content of a mathematical claim S is ‘according to standard mathematics, S’. I argue, following Woodward (2013), that, on certain assumptions, meta-fictionalism assigns the right truth-conditions to typical assertoric utterances of mathematical statements. However, I also argue that meta-fictionalism assigns the wrong aboutness conditions to typical assertoric utterances of mathematical statements.
Verbraucherbildung an Schulen. Bestandsaufnahme und Kritik eines Responsibilisierungsprogramms
Authors: Schütte André
Published: October 2020

Dem Beschluss der Kultusministerkonferenz vom 12.09.2013 zufolge soll „Verbraucherbildung“ verbindlich an allgemeinbildenden Schulen eingeführt werden. Ziel ist es, Kindern und Jugendlichen verantwortliche Konsummuster zu vermitteln. Der folgende Beitrag gibt zuerst eine Bestandsaufnahme schulischer Verbraucherbildung. Danach unterzieht er sie einer Kritik, die sich insbesondere an der normativen Engführung des Konsumierens auf Gesundheit und Nachhaltigkeit entzündet. Schließlich werden vor diesem Hintergrund mögliche Aufgaben von Verbraucherbildung skizziert. Diese legitimieren sich aber nicht wie bislang von politisch erwünschten Kompetenzanforderungen her, sondern liegen vielmehr in den Anforderungen der Sache(n) des Konsumierens begründet.
Determinanten und Akkuratheit von Schülerurteilen über sprachliche Fähigkeiten von Mitschüler(inne)n im Deutschen und den Herkunftssprachen Türkisch und Russisch
Authors: Dünkel Nora , Knigge Michel , Wilbert Jürgen
Published: October 2020

Modellen der Sprachaneignung zufolge sind für die die Entwicklung sprachlicher Fähigkeiten auch die sprachlichen Fähigkeiten von wichtigen Interaktionspartnern (z. B. Peers) bedeutsam. Da objektive Kompetenzmaße von Interaktionspartnern selten verfügbar sind, könnten alternativ Fremdeinschätzungen der sprachlichen Fähigkeiten erhoben werden. Im Beitrag wurden daher Schülerurteile über sprachliche Fähigkeiten von Mitschüler(inne)n im Deutschen und den Herkunftssprachen Türkisch und Russisch als potentielle Indikatoren tatsächlicher Sprachfähigkeiten untersucht. Mit Hilfe von Mehrebenenmodellen wurde analysiert, welchen Einflussfaktoren die Fremdeinschätzungen unterlagen, wie akkurat diese ausfielen und unter welchen Bedingungen akkuratere Einschätzungen gelangen. In allen Sprachen ergaben sich moderate Zusammenhänge zwischen den Fremdeinschätzungen und objektiven Leistungsmaßen, wobei die Urteilsakkuratheit insbesondere von Merkmalen auf der Beziehungsebene zur eigeschätzten Person (gemeinsamer Unterricht, geteilter Sprachhintergrund, Beziehungsqualität) moderiert wurde. Im Deutschen zeigten sich negative leistungsbezogene Vorurteile gegenüber Jugendlichen mit türkischer und russischer Herkunftssprache. Die Ergebnisse werden in Bezug auf Möglichkeiten und Grenzen von Fremdeinschätzungen sprachlicher Fähigkeiten sowie auf Konsequenzen leistungsbezogener Vorurteile diskutiert.
The impact of lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic on osteoporotic fragility fractures: an observational study
Authors: Ogliari Giulia , Lunt Eleanor , Ong Terence , Marshall Lindsey , Sahota Opinder
Published: October 2020

Summary

We investigated whether osteoporotic fractures declined during lockdown, among adults aged 50 years and older. We showed that fewer outpatients attended the Fracture Clinic, for non-hip fractures, during lockdown; in contrast, no change in admissions for hip fractures was observed. This could be due to fewer outdoors falls, during lockdown.

Purpose

Many countries implemented a lockdown to control the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. We explored whether outpatient attendances to the Fracture Clinic for non-hip fragility fracture and inpatient admissions for hip fracture declined during lockdown, among adults aged 50 years and older, in a large secondary care hospital.

Methods

In our observational study, we analysed the records of 6681 outpatients attending the Fracture Clinic, for non-hip fragility fractures, and those of 1752 inpatients, admitted for hip fracture, during the time frames of interest. These were weeks 1st to 12th in 2020 (“prior to lockdown”), weeks 13th to 19th in 2020 (“lockdown”) and corresponding periods over 2015 to 2019. We tested for differences in mean numbers (standard deviation (SD)) of outpatients and inpatients, respectively, per week, during the time frames of interest, across the years.

Results

Prior to lockdown, in 2020, 63.1 (SD 12.6) outpatients per week attended the Fracture Clinic, similar to previous years (p value 0.338). During lockdown, 26.0 (SD 7.3) outpatients per week attended the Fracture Clinic, fewer than previous years (p value < 0.001); similar findings were observed in both sexes and age groups (all p values < 0.001). During lockdown, 16.1 (SD 5.6) inpatients per week were admitted for hip fracture, similar to previous years (p value 0.776).

Conclusion

During lockdown, fewer outpatients attended the Fracture Clinic, for non-hip fragility fractures, while no change in inpatient admissions for hip fracture was observed. This could reflect fewer non-hip fractures and may inform allocation of resources during pandemic.
The Importance of Diffusivity and Partitioning Behavior of Solid Solution Strengthening Elements for the High Temperature Creep Strength of Ni-Base Superalloys
Authors: Giese S. , Bezold A. , Pröbstle M. , Heckl A. , Neumeier S. , Göken M.
Published: October 2020

The creep resistance of single-crystalline Ni-base superalloys at elevated temperatures depends among others on solid solution strengthening of theγ-matrix. To study the influence of various solid solution strengtheners on the mechanical properties, a series of Ni-base superalloys with the same content of different alloying elements (Ir, Mo, Re, Rh, Ru, W) or element combinations (MoW, ReMo, ReW) was investigated. Nanoindentation measurements were performed to correlate the partitioning behavior of the solid solution strengtheners with the hardness of the individual phases. The lowestγ′/γ-hardness ratio was observed for the Re-containing alloy with the strongest partitioning of Re to theγ-matrix. As a result of the creep experiments in the high-temperature/low-stress regime (1373 K (1100 °C)/140 MPa), it can be concluded that solid solution hardening in theγ-phase plays an essential role. The stronger the partitioning to theγ-phase and the lower the interdiffusion coefficient of the alloying element, the better the creep resistance. Therefore, the best creep behavior is found for alloys containing high contents of slow-diffusing elements that partition preferably to theγ-phase, particularly Re followed by W and Mo.