bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced Light‐Driven Antimicrobial Activity of Cationic Poly(oxanorbornene)s by Phthalocyanine Incorporation into Polymer as Pendants
Authors: Ahmetali Erem , Sen Pinar , Süer N. Ceren , Aksu Burak , Nyokong Tebello , Eren Tarik , Şener M. Kasım
Published: November 2020

Amphiphilic poly(oxanorbornene)s are promising synthetic polymers that mimic the structural properties and antimicrobial functions of naturally occurring antimicrobial peptides. Here, poly(oxanorbornene)s bearing pendant zinc(II) phthalocyanine and triphenyl(ethyl) phosphonium functionalities are synthesized by ring‐opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP). Fluorescence, singlet oxygen and triplet quantum yields of polymers are measured in dimethyl sulfoxide and aqueous medium. The singlet oxygen quantum yields of copolymers with the highest triphenyl and triethyl phosphonium content are found to be 0.29 and 0.41, respectively. Then, antimicrobial activities of polymers against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) are investigated under both dark and light conditions. Synergistic effect of zinc(II) phthalocyanine and phosphonium‐containing poly(oxanorbornene) is observed that the conjugate possessing the most triphenyl phosphonium side chains has the highest activity under light against both gram‐positive and gram‐negative bacterial strains after 80 min irradiation, reducing the survival of E. coli or S. aureus by 99.9999%. Hemolytic concentrations of the copolymers are found between 8 and 512 µg mL−1. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) proves that the bacteria membrane deforms after contacting with the biocidal polymer.
Does Depression Contribute to the Bladder and Bowel Complaint in Parkinson's Disease Patients?
Authors: Sakakibara Ryuji , Ogata Tsuyoshi , Aiba Yosuke , Tateno Fuyuki , Uchiyama Tomoyuki , Yamamoto Tatsuya
Published: November 2020

Background

The question of whether depression contributes to the bladder and bowel complaint in Parkinson's disease (PD) has not been addressed.

Objectives

We studied bladder, bowel and sexual symptoms in PD patients with/without depression.

Methods

We had 267 referred PD patients: age 68.3 ± 7.7 years, 150 men, 117 women. We divided them into those with/without depression and performed the pelvic function questionnaires including bladder, bowel and sexual items; for example, OABSS, IPSS, and a pelvic organ questionnaire).

Results

The patient age, sex ratio, disease duration, Hoehn‐Yahr motor grade, and cognitive score were not significantly different between the PD with depression (n = 35, 13.1%) and PD without depression (n = 232, 86.9%) groups. Regarding bladder, bowel and sexual complaints, significant difference was noted in constipation (P = 0.000854) and sensation of residual urine (P = 0.04820) items.

Conclusions

Our PD patients with depression showed significantly more common constipation and sensation of residual urine compared to the patients with PD alone, suggesting that depression contributes to the bladder and bowel complaint in PD patients.
ChemBoost: A Chemical Language Based Approach for Protein – Ligand Binding Affinity Prediction
Authors: Özçelik Rıza , Öztürk Hakime , Özgür Arzucan , Ozkirimli Elif
Published: November 2020

Identification of high affinity drug‐target interactions is a major research question in drug discovery. Proteins are generally represented by their structures or sequences. However, structures are available only for a small subset of biomolecules and sequence similarity is not always correlated with functional similarity. We propose ChemBoost, a chemical language based approach for affinity prediction using SMILES syntax. We hypothesize that SMILES is a codified language and ligands are documents composed of chemical words. These documents can be used to learn chemical word vectors that represent words in similar contexts with similar vectors. In ChemBoost, the ligands are represented via chemical word embeddings, while the proteins are represented through sequence‐based features and/or chemical words of their ligands. Our aim is to process the patterns in SMILES as a language to predict protein‐ligand affinity, even when we cannot infer the function from the sequence. We used eXtreme Gradient Boosting to predict protein‐ligand affinities in KIBA and BindingDB data sets. ChemBoost was able to predict drug‐target binding affinity as well as or better than state‐of‐the‐art machine learning systems. When powered with ligand‐centric representations, ChemBoost was more robust to the changes in protein sequence similarity and successfully captured the interactions between a protein and a ligand, even if the protein has low sequence similarity to the known targets of the ligand.
Multiple λμ‐statistically convergence via ϕ˜ functions
Authors: Savaş Rabia
Published: November 2020

The primary target of this article is to introduce a new summability sequence space
In addition, we will present some of its properties and examine some interesting results by using double statistically
‐convergence,
‐ summability, and
‐summability, which are new summability methods.
Application layer classification of Internet traffic using ensemble learning models
Authors: Arfeen Asad , Ul Haq Khizar , Yasir Syed Muhammad
Published: November 2020

Accurate application layer classification of Internet traffic has been a necessary requirement for various regulatory, control, and operational purposes of Internet service provider (ISP). Due to the dynamic and ever evolving nature of Internet applications generating a diverse mixture of Internet traffic, it has been necessary to apply deep packet inspection (DPI) techniques for traffic classification. DPI methods offer accuracy but degrade overall network throughput and thus cause problems in ensuring quality of service (QoS) and maintaining service‐level agreements. Moreover, Internet traffic is mostly end to end encrypted. This in turn limits the applicability of DPI techniques and renders them useless, unless the encryption tunnel is broken by the service provider which would risk violating user privacy. To address these trade‐offs between classification accuracy, performance, and user privacy, we resort to machine learning (ML)‐based algorithms. In this article, we apply three ensemble ML algorithms and report their performance metrics in the application layer classification of Internet traffic.
An analysis of causes of delay and cost overrun in construction of hydropower project
Authors: Azam Tamoor , Jiang Wang Song , Malik Sohail Ahmed , Malik Saqib Yaqoob , Nilofar Memoona , Abbas Zaheer , Ullah Ihsan
Published: November 2020

This research precisely analyzes the delay causes of one of the most delayed hydropower project in Pakistan. In this study, grey relation analysis has been employed which has strong analytical ability, in the process of grey relational analysis calculation, the same weight cannot fully reflect the optimality of evaluation, so we have used the entropy weight method to improve it, at the same time, we have used full information reflected by the evaluation index. The socioeconomic problems which are delaying this project (Diamar‐Basha dam) which include poor resettlement plan for local people, compensation of land, threat of cultural heritage, and ecological impacts of this project. It gives quantitative analysis by taking into account several issues in infrastructural project activities like historical and geographical disputes between local people and Governments, their socioeconomic impacts on affected population due to lack of finance and land use conflicts. The deeper roots behind the excusable delays of construction of the Diamar‐Basha dam are discovered in its true spirit while the putative reasons are decorated how this project get into such a predicament and further delay in construction of dam will make it a mirage project.
Network governance, food security, and public service delivery: Functioning of Chhattisgarh's Centralized Online Real‐time Electronic Public Distribution System (CORE‐PDS)
Authors: Gowd Kiran Kumar
Published: November 2020

The second goal of the United Nations Development Programme's Sustainable Development Goals emphasizes food security, which is no hunger by 2030. India has a significant role to play in achieving this goal, as nearly 200 million of its inhabitants live in hunger. This accounts for almost a quarter of global hunger. The public distribution system (PDS) is the policy initiative by the Government of India to provide food security to needy citizens. The scheme is considered one of the world's largest food security programs. The 2013 National Food Security Act covers 75% and 50% of the rural and urban population, respectively, and provides 35 kg of grain for each needy family. Despite these efforts, India still faces food insecurity. There are certain exclusion and inclusion errors in the implementation of the PDS. Each state (federal unit) in India has followed its implementation strategy by leveraging Information and Communication Technologies with differing levels of success. Many studies found that Chhattisgarh, a state in the Hindi belt of the country, is implementing the scheme effectively through centralized online real‐time electronic PDS (CORE‐PDS). The present article uses network governance as a theoretical framework to understand the success story of Chhattisgarh's CORE‐PDS and to identify its key success factors by analyzing the role of state and nonstate actors in the implementation of the PDS. The network governance approach is emerging as a crucial theoretical framework in the governance and public policy fields for identifying the challenges and problems in the policy domain and building networks among state actors, markets, civil society, and citizens.
Barrier and structural properties of polyethylene terephthalate film coated with poly(acrylic acid)/montmorillonite nanocomposites
Authors: Lim Ji Woo , Lim Woo Su , Lee Min Hyeock , Park Hyun Jin
Published: November 2020

Food packaging is one of the most important parts of the food industry, and polyethylene‐based polymers have been widely used as food packaging films. In this study, corona‐treated polyethylene terephthalate (PET) films were used to increase adhesion to the barrier coating solution for multilayered film formation and various concentrations of montmorillonite (MMT; 0, 1, 3, and 5 wt.%) were used to improve the barrier properties of PET films for food packaging after different treatments of MMT including ultrasonication with bath or probe and 100‐W or 300‐W microwave to evenly disperse MMT. Among them, a 300‐W microwave treatment was most effective for size reduction of MMT particles. Even though 5 wt.% MMT was used to coat PET films with polyacrylic acid (PAA), good transmittance in the visible region (500 nm) was obtained, with a value similar to that of the neat PET film. The dispersion of MMT and binding of PAA/MMT nanocomposites were confirmed by field‐emission scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analyses. The water vapor and oxygen barrier properties of PET films were enhanced by PAA coating. Moreover, the oxygen permeability of PET films decreased via coating by PAA blended with 1 and 3 wt.% MMT. Based on these results, the PET film coated with PAA/MMT nanocomposites could be applied as food packaging films that require high gas barrier properties for oxygen‐sensitive food.
Practical finite‐time sampled‐data output consensus for a class of nonlinear multiagent systems via output feedback
Authors: Mao Jun , Huang Shipei , Xiang Zhengrong , Wang Ying , Zheng Di
Published: November 2020

This article devotes a practical finite‐time sampled‐data output consensus investigation for a class of nonlinear multiagent systems with unavailable velocities and undirected topology via output feedback. Noticing that the focused multiagent system features nonlinearities with non‐Lipschitz restriction, and the outputs of the agents are detectable only at the sampling instants, a reduced‐order observer with the sampled output measurement is established for each follower to evaluate the unavailable velocity, and the distributed finite‐time sampled‐data consensus protocols, which are constructed by the established reduced‐order observer as well as the sampled output measurement of the agents, are developed by combining the techniques of adding a power integral and backstepping. By selecting a suitable Lyapunov function candidate, we can verify that the developed sampled‐data consensus protocols which work under the allowable sampling period and the appropriate design parameters can solve the considered practical finite‐time output consensus problem. Finally, two simulation examples, include a numerical and an engineering simulations, are provided to reveal the effectiveness and availability of the proposed consensus scheme.
Lessons From Pandemic Teaching for Content Area Learning
Authors: Fisher Douglas , Frey Nancy
Published: November 2020

Abstracts

Literacy instruction does not just happen during the language arts block, as students can learn more about reading and writing during science, social studies, and mathematics. This department features examples of how teachers can teach literacy across various content areas.
Composting as a Municipal Solid Waste Management Strategy: Lessons Learned from Cajicá, Colombia
Authors: Machado Cristian Rivera , Hettiarachchi Hiroshan
Published: November 2020

Municipal solid waste (MSW) generated in developing countries usually contains a high percentage of organic material. When not properly managed, organic waste is known for creating many environmental issues. Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, soil and water contamination, and air pollution are a few examples. On the other hand, proper and sustainable management of organic waste can not only bring economic gains but also reduce the waste volume that is sent for final disposal. Composting is one such recovery method, in which the end product – compost – eventually helps the agricultural industry, and other sectors, making the process an excellent example of nexus thinking in integrated management of environmental resources. The aim of this chapter is to discuss how Cajicá, a small city in Colombia, approached this issue in a methodical way to eventually became one of the leading organic waste composting examples in the whole world, as recognised by the United Nations Environment Programme in 2017. Cajicá launched a source separation and composting initiative called Green Containers Program (GCP) in 2008, based on a successful pilot project conducted in 2005. The organic waste separated at source collected from households, commercial entities, schools, and universities are brought to a privately operated composting plant chosen by the city to produce compost. The compost plant sells compost to the agricultural sector. The participants in the GCP could also receive a bag of compost every 2 months as a token of appreciation. The Cajicá case presents us with many lessons of good practice, not only in the sustainable management of waste but also in stakeholder engagement. It specifically shows how stakeholders should be brought together for long-lasting collaboration and the benefits to society. Finding the correct business model for the project, efforts made in educating the future generation, and technology adaptation to local conditions are also seen as positive experiences that others can learn from in the case of Cajicá’s GCP. Some of the concerns and potential threats observed include the high dependency GCP has on two institutions: the programme financially depends completely on the municipality, and the composting operation depends completely on one private facility. GCP will benefit from having contingency plans to reduce the risk of having these high dependencies.
Composting in Sri Lanka: Policies, Practices, Challenges, and Emerging Concerns
Authors: Dandeniya Warshi S. , Caucci Serena
Published: November 2020

Compost is a widely accepted organic fertiliser throughout the world. It is being produced using a wide variety of source materials at household to commercial scale. With the increased population and changes in food consumption pattern tending towards a vegetable- and meat-rich diet, the amount of organic waste generated in urban and peri-urban settings has increased. Many governments promote composting as a process that helps them to reduce the volume of organic waste and recycle nutrients back to croplands. Some examples of organic waste accumulated in large scale include household waste from urban and peri-urban settings, sewage, animal farm waste, agricultural waste from large-scale markets, food debris, and kitchen waste from hotels. The composition of compost varies in a wide range depending on the nature of materials used to produce it. The safety concerns related to compost also vary along the same line. The quality of compost has become a subjective term that means different aspects to different bodies due to a lack of commonly agreed standards to regulate the composting process and the final product itself. Recent research findings indicate that compost can serve as a carrier of potentially toxic trace elements, organic pollutants, and determinants of antimicrobial resistance to the environment and along the food chain. Producing good-quality compost safe to human health and the environment at large has become a challenge that should be addressed at various levels: from production to policymaking. This chapter discusses some of the major challenges faced in Sri Lanka with compost making. To prepare the background for this discussion, information on the policies and current practices of nutrient management in Sri Lanka is also presented. The context may be applicable to many other developing countries in the tropics.
Co-composting: An Opportunity to Produce Compost with Designated Tailor-Made Properties
Authors: Giagnoni Laura , Martellini Tania , Scodellini Roberto , Cincinelli Alessandra , Renella Giancarlo
Published: November 2020

Co-composting is a technique that allows the aerobic degradation of organic waste mixtures, primarily aiming at obtaining compost that can be used as fertiliser or soil amendment. As compared to the typical composting activity, the main difference is not merely the use of more than one feedstock to start and sustain the biodegradation process, but also the possibility of combining various kinds of waste to obtain ‘tailored’ products with designed properties, or to reclaim and valorise natural resources, such as degraded soils or polluted soils and sediments. Set up of appropriate co-composting protocols can be a way to optimise the management of waste produced by different sectors of agriculture and industry and also from human settlements. Different formulations can not only optimise the biodegradation process through the adjustment of nutrient ratios, but also lead to the formation of products with innovative properties. Moreover, co-composting can be a technique of choice for the reclamation of soils degraded by intensive agriculture or contaminated soils and sediments. In fact, an appropriate mix of organic waste and soils can restore the soil structure and induce fertility in nutrient-depleted soils, and also remediate polluted soils and sediments through degradation of organic pollutants and stabilisation of heavy metals. While the selection of different mixes of organic waste may lead to the design of composts with specific properties and the potential valorisation of selected waste materials, there are still several factors that hamper the development of co-composting platforms, mainly insufficient knowledge of some chemical and microbiological processes, but also some legislative aspects. This chapter illustrates the progress achieved in co-composting technology worldwide, some key legislative aspects related to the co-composting process, the main scientific and technical aspects that deserve research attention to further develop co-composting technology, and successful applications of co-composting for the reclamation of soils and sediments, allowing their use for cultivation or as growing media in plant nurseries. A specific case study of the production of fertile plant-growing media from sediment co-composting with green waste is also illustrated.
United States: The Uphill Schools’ Struggle
Authors: Hanushek Eric A.
Published: November 2020

The United States has seen generally flat performance on both international and national tests. Moreover, the achievement gaps between disadvantaged and more advantaged students have been large and constant for a half century. The remarkable aspect of these outcomes is that federal and state programs have changed significantly—considerably greater resources, added school choice, test-based accountability, and school desegregation. Because of the importance of skills for the economy, it is important that the schools improve, but there is no indication of finding the set of policies that will do this.
Assessment Background: What PISA Measures and How
Authors: Araújo Luisa , Costa Patrícia , Crato Nuno
Published: November 2020

This chapter provides a short description of what the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) measures and how it measures it. First, it details the concepts associated with the measurement of student performance and the concepts associated with capturing student and school characteristics and explains how they compare with some other International Large-Scale Assessments (ILSA). Second, it provides information on the assessment of reading, the main domain in PISA 2018. Third, it provides information on the technical aspects of the measurements in PISA. Lastly, it offers specific examples of PISA 2018 cognitive items, corresponding domains (mathematics, science, and reading), and related performance levels.
Chile: The Challenge of Providing Relevant Information from ILSA Studies for the Improvement of Educational Quality
Authors: Lagos Ema
Published: November 2020

Chile has a consolidated culture of evaluation in its educational system because, for more than three decades, first the Ministry of Education and currently the National Agency for Educational Quality have implemented national census tests every year to monitor the established curricula’ learning. International Large-scale Students Assessment (ILSA) studies have substantially contributed to this monitoring since the late 1990s. Both, the definition of the disciplines and domains evaluated and the results obtained, have motivated curricular reforms to adapt what is taught to children and young people to prepare them for a globalized world, with a strong presence of information and communication technology. The Chilean students’ results have impacted the system, especially by highlighting its weaknesses, related to little improvement over decades, differences in learning achieved by different groups of students, and performance below than expected in the most economically and culturally advantaged sectors. To accomplish these challenges, the system has changed its organization and developed diverse strategies. Data provided by ILSA studies have been used to promote policies and programs for the improvement and strengthening of the most vulnerable groups and a general approach that promotes gender equality in education, politics, and labor. ILSA studies have also been a reference for innovation in educational assessments, allowing the country to evaluate and explore innovative learning areas such as digital and financial competences.
Poland: Polish Education Reforms and Evidence from International Assessments
Authors: Jakubowski Maciej
Published: November 2020

Over the last two decades, the Polish education system has been reformed several times, with the comprehensive structural reform in 1999, curriculum and evaluation reform in 2007, and early education reform introduced gradually until 2014. Student outcomes, as documented by PISA, but also other international assessments, largely improved over the last 20 years. Poland moved from below the OECD average to a group of top-performing countries in Europe. This chapter describes the reforms and research on their effects. It also discusses how it was possible to find political support for the reversal of changes that seemed to be highly successful. It provides three lessons from the Polish experience. First, the evidence should be widely disseminated among all stakeholders to sustain reforms. Second, the sole reliance on international studies is not sufficient. Additional investment into secondary analyses and national studies is necessary to develop evidence for better-informed political discussions. Third, some positive changes are more difficult to reverse. In Poland, increased school autonomy, but also external examinations, broader access to preschool and higher education, are among the changes that the new government could not alter.
Spain: The Evidence Provided by International Large-Scale Assessments About the Spanish Education System: Why Nobody Listens Despite All the Noise
Authors: Gomendio Montse
Published: November 2020

ILSAs show that student performance in Spain is lower than the OECD average and has shown no progress from 2000 until 2011/2012. One of the main features is the low proportion of top performers. During this long period of stagnation, the education system was characterized by having no national (or standardized regional) evaluations and no flexibility to adapt to the different needs of the student population. The fact that the system was blind and rigid, plus the lack of common standards at the national level, gave rise to three major deficiencies: a high rate of grade repetition, which led to high rates of early school leaving, and large differences between regions. These features of the Spanish education system represent major inequities. However, PISA findings were used to reinforce the misguided view that the Spanish education system prioritized equity over excellence. After the implementation of an education reform, some improvements in student performance took place in 2015 and 2016. Unfortunately, the results for PISA 2018 in reading were withdrawn for Spain, apparently due to changes in methodology which led to unreliable results. To this date, no explanation has been provided raising concerns about the reliability and accountability of PISA.
Failure Mechanisms of Alloys with a Bimodal Graine Size Distribution
Authors: Skripnyak Vladimir A. , Skripnyak Evgeniya G. , Skripnyak Vladimir V.
Published: November 2020

A multi-scale computational approach was used for the investigation of a high strain rate deformation and fracture of magnesium and titanium alloys with a bimodal distribution of grain sizes under dynamic loading. The processes of inelastic deformation and damage of titanium alloys were investigated at the mesoscale level by the numerical simulation method. It was shown that localization of plastic deformation under tension at high strain rates depends on grain size distribution. The critical fracture stress of alloys depends on relative volumes of coarse grains in representative volume. Microcracks nucleation at quasi-static and dynamic loading is associated with strain localization in ultra-fine grained partial volumes. Microcracks arise in the vicinity of coarse and ultrafine grains boundaries. It is revealed that the occurrence of a bimodal grain size distributions causes increased ductility, but decreased tensile strength of UFG alloys. The increase in fine precipitation concentration results not only strengthening but also an increase in ductility of UFG alloys with bimodal grain size distribution.
Nanomaterials Interaction with Cell Membranes: Computer Simulation Studies
Authors: Tsukanov Alexey A. , Vasiljeva Olga
Published: November 2020

This chapter provides a brief review of computer simulation studies on the interaction of nanomaterialswith biomembranes. The interest in this area is governed by the variety of possible biomedical applications of nanoparticles and nanomaterials as well as by the importance of understanding their possible cytotoxicity. Molecular dynamics is a flexible and versatile computer simulation tool, which allows us to research the molecular level mechanisms of nanomaterials interaction with cell or bacterial membrane, predicting in silico their behavior and estimating physicochemical properties. In particular, based on the molecular dynamics simulations, a bio-action mechanism of two-dimensional aluminum hydroxide nanostructures, termed aloohene, was discovered by the research team led by Professor S. G. Psakhie, accounting for its anticancer and antimicrobial properties. Here we review three groups of nanomaterials (NMs) based on their structure: nanoparticles (globular, non-elongated), (quasi)one-dimensional NMs (nanotube, nanofiber, nanorod) and two-dimensional NMs (nanosheet, nanolayer, nanocoated substrate). Analysis of the available in silico studies, thus can enable us a better understanding of how the geometry and surface properties of NMs govern the mechanisms of their interaction with cell or bacterial membranes.
The Knowledge Creation and Transfer Mechanism
Authors: Ackers Louise , Ackers-Johnson Gavin , Welsh Joanne , Kibombo Daniel , Opio Samuel
Published: November 2020

This chapter reflects on the relationship between the knowledge mobilisation processes that have contributed to behaviour change at an individual and organisational level. It critiques the traditional emphasis in international development on one-off, formal, foreign-led ‘training’ episodes and contrasts these with the more fluid, bilateral, approach to learning through co-working and mentoring.
Produktivitätsmanagement
Authors: Eisele Olaf , Jeske Tim , Lennings Frank
Published: November 2020

Digitalisierung, Industrie 4.0 und künstliche Intelligenz (KI) bieten Unternehmen neue Chancen, um Produkte, Dienstleistungen und Leistungserstellungsprozesse zu gestalten und ihre Produktivität und damit Wettbewerbsfähigkeit zu verbessern. Gleichzeitig führen die damit verbundenen Veränderungen in der Arbeitswelt aber auch zu veränderten Rahmenbedingungen, Strukturen und Anforderungen. Um diesen Veränderungen gerecht zu werden, müssen bisherige Ansätze des Produktivitätsmanagements an die neuen Bedingungen angepasst werden. Nur so kann ein produktivitätssteigernder und damit erfolgreicher Einsatz neuer Technologien und digitaler Wandel hin zur vernetzten Produktion in einer Industrie 4.0 sichergestellt werden. Dieser Beitrag beschreibt die neuen Anforderungen an das Produktivitätsmanagement und gibt eine Handlungsempfehlung, wie dies in digitalisierten und vernetzten Arbeitswelten der Zukunft erfolgreich gestaltet und praktisch umgesetzt werden kann.
Towards spacetime entanglement entropy for interacting theories
Authors: Chen Yangang , Hackl Lucas , Kunjwal Ravi , Moradi Heidar , Yazdi Yasaman K. , Zilhão Miguel
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Entanglement entropy of quantum fields in gravitational settings is a topic of growing importance. This entropy of entanglement is conventionally computed relative to Cauchy hypersurfaces where it is possible via a partial tracing to associate a reduced density matrix to the spacelike region of interest. In recent years Sorkin has proposed an alternative, manifestly covariant, formulation of entropy in terms of the spacetime two-point correlation function. This formulation, developed for a Gaussian scalar field theory, is explicitly spacetime in nature and evades some of the possible non-covariance issues faced by the conventional formulation. In this paper we take the first steps towards extending Sorkin’s entropy to non-Gaussian theories where Wick’s theorem no longer holds and one would expect higher correlators to contribute. We consider quartic perturbations away from the Gaussian case and find that to first order in perturbation theory, the entropy formula derived by Sorkin continues to hold but with the two-point correlators replaced by their perturbation-corrected counterparts. We then show that our results continue to hold for arbitrary perturbations (of both bosonic and fermionic theories). This is a non-trivial and, to our knowledge, novel result. Furthermore we also derive closed-form formulas of the entanglement entropy for arbitrary perturbations at first and second order. Our work also suggests avenues for further extensions to generic interacting theories.
Dual role of ER stress in response to metabolic co-targeting and radiosensitivity in head and neck cancer cells
Authors: Chen Oleg , Manig Friederike , Lehmann Loreen , Sorour Nagwa , Löck Steffen , Yu Zhanru , Dubrovska Anna , Baumann Michael , Kessler Benedikt M. , Stasyk Oleh , Kunz-Schughart Leoni A.
Published: November 2020

Arginine deprivation therapy (ADT) is a new metabolic targeting approach with high therapeutic potential for various solid cancers. Combination of ADT with low doses of the natural arginine analog canavanine effectively sensitizes malignant cells to irradiation. However, the molecular mechanisms determining the sensitivity of intrinsically non-auxotrophic cancers to arginine deficiency are still poorly understood. We here show for the first time that arginine deficiency is accompanied by global metabolic changes and protein/membrane breakdown, and results in the induction of specific, more or less pronounced (severe vs. mild) ER stress responses in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cells that differ in their intrinsic ADT sensitivity. Combination of ADT with canavanine triggered catastrophic ER stress via the eIF2α-ATF4(GADD34)-CHOP pathway, thereby inducing apoptosis; the same signaling arm was irrelevant in ADT-related radiosensitization. The particular strong supra-additive effect of ADT, canavanine and irradiation in both intrinsically more and less sensitive cancer cells supports the rational of ER stress pathways as novel target for improving multi-modal metabolic anti-cancer therapy.
On the Mathematical Foundations of Causal Fermion Systems in Minkowski Space
Authors: Oppio Marco
Published: November 2020

The emergence of the concept of a causal fermion system is revisited and further investigated for the vacuum Dirac equation in Minkowski space. After a brief recap of the Dirac equation and its solution space, in order to allow for the effects of a possibly nonstandard structure of spacetime at the Planck scale, a regularization by a smooth cutoff in momentum space is introduced, and its properties are discussed. Given an ensemble of solutions, we recall the construction of a local correlation function, which realizes spacetime in terms of operators. It is shown in various situations that the local correlation function maps spacetime points to operators of maximal rank and that it is closed and homeomorphic onto its image. It is inferred that the corresponding causal fermion systems are regular and have a smooth manifold structure. The cases considered include a Dirac sea vacuum and systems involving a finite number of particles and antiparticles.
Machine invention systems: a (r)evolution of the invention process?
Authors: Vasilescu Dragos-Cristian , Filzmoser Michael
Published: November 2020

Current developments in fields such as quantum physics, fine arts, robotics, cognitive sciences or defense and security indicate the emergence of creative systems capable of producing new and innovative solutions through combinations of machine learning algorithms. These systems, called machine invention systems, challenge the established invention paradigm in promising the automation of – at least parts of – the innovation process. This paper’s main contribution is twofold. Based on the identified state-of-the-art examples in the above mentioned fields, key components for machine invention systems and their relations are identified, creating a conceptual model as well as proposing a working definition for machine invention systems. The differences and delimitations to other concepts in the field of machine learning and artificial intelligence, such as machine discovery systems are discussed as well. Furthermore, the paper briefly addresses the social and societal implications and limitations that come with the adoption of the technology. Because of their revolutionizing potential, there are widespread implications to consider from ethical and moral implications to policymaking and societal changes, like changes in the job structure. The discussion part approaches some of these implications, as well as solutions to some of the proposed challenges. The paper concludes by discussing some of the systemic benefits that can be accessed through machine invention.
Fate of MHCII in salmonids following 4WGD
Authors: Grimholt Unni , Lukacs Morten
Published: November 2020

Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes are key players in the adaptive immunity providing a defense against invading pathogens. Although the basic structures are similar when comparing mammalian and teleost MHC class II (MHCII) molecules, there are also clear-cut differences. Based on structural requirements, the teleosts non-classical MHCII molecules do not comply with a function similar to the human HLA-DM and HLA-DO, i.e., assisting in peptide loading and editing of classical MHCII molecules. We have previously studied the evolution of teleost class II genes identifying various lineages and tracing their phylogenetic occurrence back to ancient ray-finned fishes. We found no syntenic MHCII regions shared between cyprinids, salmonids, and neoteleosts, suggesting regional instabilities. Salmonids have experienced a unique whole genome duplication 94 million years ago, providing them with the opportunity to experiment with gene duplicates. Many salmonid genomes have recently become available, and here we set out to investigate how MHCII has evolved in salmonids using Northern pike as a diploid sister phyla, that split from the salmonid lineage prior to the fourth whole genome duplication (4WGD) event. We identified 120 MHCII genes in pike and salmonids, ranging from 11 to 20 genes per species analyzed where DB-group genes had the most expansions. Comparing the MHC of Northern pike with that of Atlantic salmon and other salmonids species provides a tale of gene loss, translocations, and genome rearrangements.
Metacontrol and joint action: how shared goals transfer from one task to another?
Authors: Liepelt Roman , Raab Markus
Published: November 2020

In most of our daily activities and in team sports, we interact with other individuals and do not act in isolation. Using a social variant of the standard two-choice Simon task, this study aims to test if competitive/cooperative processing modes (i.e., metacontrol states) change the degree of bodily self-other integration between two persons in joint action. In addition, and more exploratory the study tested if this effect depends on a shared group experience with the partner. Two participants shared a visual Simon task, so that each person basically performed complementary parts of the task, which transfers the paradigm into a go/no-go Simon task for each person. Before running this joint Simon task, we set both participants either in a competitive or a cooperative control state by means of a dyadic game, a manipulation aimed at testing possible goal transfer across tasks. We found significant joint Simon effects for participants who were in a competitive state and for participants who were in a cooperative state. The joint Simon effect for participants being in a competitive state was significantly smaller than for participants being in a cooperative state. When experiencing the goal induction together with the partner, the joint Simon effect was significantly decreased as when the induction was performed alone. Both effects (metacontrol state induction and shared experience) seem to be statistically independent of each other. In line with predictions of metacontrol state theory, our study indicated that abstract cognitive goal states can be transferred from one task to another task, able to affect the degree of bodily self-other integration across different task situations.
Is Dysphagia Under Diagnosed or is Normal Swallowing More Variable than We Think? Reported Swallowing Problems in People Aged 18–65 Years
Authors: Leslie Paula , Smithard David G.
Published: November 2020

Purpose

Dysphagia prevalence in younger community dwelling adults and across nations is sparse. We investigated the prevalence of swallowing problems in an unselected cohort of people aged 18–65 years.

Methods

The EAT-10 Assessment Tool was converted into an anonymized online survey. Invitations were e-mailed to author contacts and onwards dispersal encouraged. Analysis was performed using non-parametric test for group comparison (Mann–WhitneyU) and Spearman’s rho correlation.

Results

From March 2014 to October 2017: 2054 responses (32 reported ages outside of 18–65 or undeclared) from Africa, Asia, Australasia/Oceania, Europe, and North and South America. Responses: 1,648 female, 364 male, (10 reported as both), median age 34, (range 18–65, mean 37.12, SD 12.40) years. Total EAT-10 scores: median 0 (range 0–36, mean 1.57, SD 3.49). EAT-10 score ≥ 3 (337) median 5 (range 3–36, mean 7.02 SD 5.91). Median age 36 (range 19–65, mean 37.81, SD 13.21) years. Declared sex was not statistically significantly associated with non-pathological vs. pathological EAT-10 score (p = 0.665). Female scores (median 0.00, mean 1.56, SD 3.338) were significantly higher than for males (median 0.00, mean 1.62, SD 4.161):U(Nfemale = 1648, Nmale = 364) = 275,420.000,z = − 2.677,p = 0.007. Age and EAT-10 score were not associated: femalesrs = − 0.043,p = 0.079,N = 1648, malesrs = − 0.003,p = 0.952,N = 364. Considerable impact on people: “I take ages to eat a main course … This is embarrassing and I often leave food even though I am still hungry.” (no diagnosis, EAT-10 = 17).

Conclusion

Concerns regarding swallowing exist in people undiagnosed with dysphagia, who may feel uncomfortable seeking professional help. Dysphagia may be under reported resulting in a hidden population. Subtle changes are currently seen as subtle markers of COVID-19. Further work is required to ensure that what is an essentially normal swallow does not become medicalized.
Analysis of relative bacterial activity and lactate dehydrogenase gene expression of caries-associated bacteria in a site-specific natural biofilm: an ex vivo study
Authors: Walther Carolin , Zumbülte Sandra , Faerber Christoph M. , Wierichs Richard Johannes , Meyer-Lueckel Hendrik , Conrads Georg , Henne Karsten , Esteves-Oliveira Marcella
Published: November 2020

Objectives

Detecting bacterial activity is considered a promising approach to monitor shifts from symbiosis to dysbiosis in oral microbiome. The present study aimed at investigating both the relative bacterial activity and the lactate dehydrogenase (ldh) gene expression of caries-associated bacteria in a site-specific natural biofilm.

Material and methods

Sixty subjects (age, mean ± SE: 30.1 ± 1.4) were allocated to two groups: caries-free subjects (CF) or caries-active subjects (CA). CF presented one sound surface (CFS,n= 30). CA presented two donor sites: a cavitated caries lesion (CAC,n= 30) and a sound reference surface (CAS,n= 30). Real-time quantitative PCR (q-PCR) on species or genus level and total bacteria was performed targeting the 16S gene, the 16S rRNA, theldhgene, and the ldh mRNA (increasing 16S ribosomal RNA copy numbers can function as an indicator of increased energy metabolism). As the 16S rRNA abundance represents the number of ribosomes, while the 16S gene abundance represents the number of genomes, the quotient of the relative abundances functions as a measure for the relative bacterial activity (%).

Results

BothlactobacilliandS. mutansshowed the highest relative bacterial activity in CAC ((mean ± SE) 218 ± 60% and 61 ± 16%, respectively) and the lowest values for both sound reference surfaces (69 ± 48%; 8 ± 3%). Significant differences were found between CAC and CAS as well as between CAC and CFS for bothlactobacilliandS. mutans(p< 0.05). Theldhgene expression oflactobacilliandS. mutansonly showed moderate values in CAC (1.90E+03 ± 2.11E+03; 2.08E+04 ± 4.44E+04 transcripts/μl) and CFS (2.04E+03 ± 2.74E+03; 8.16E+03 ± 6.64E+03 transcripts/μl); consequently no significant differences were detected.

Conclusion and clinical relevance

Caries-associated bacteria (lactobacilliandS. mutans) showed the highest relative bacterial activity in plaque of cavitated lesions, the lowest in sound surfaces, allowing the detection of a significant activity shift in health and disease for caries-active patients. However, no significant differences inldhgene expression could be determined.
DNA Hybridization-Based Differential Peptide Display Identified Potential Osteogenic Peptides
Authors: Hatakeyama Wataru , Lee Cliff , Da Silva John , Kim David M. , Nagai Shigemi , Kondo Hisatomo , Nagai Masazumi
Published: November 2020

A DNA hybridization-based differential peptide display (DPD) was developed for the screening of phage peptide library to find osteogenic peptides intended to bind to epigenetically induced osteogenic receptors on NIH/3T3 (3T3) cell surface. In the presence of DNA methylation inhibitor of 5-azacytidine (5AZC), an osteoblastic receptor of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) receptor 1A (BMPR1A) was induced on the cell surface of NIH/3T3 fibroblasts. Cyclic heptamer-displaying phage library was screened against vehicle and 5AZC treated (Tx) 3T3 cells. Antisense oligo against library against library peptide coding DNA of control 3T3 cell bound phages were synthesized to subtract common binders from that of 5AZC-Tx 3T3 cell-bound phages that included 5AZC-induced receptor binders. The library peptide coding regions of conformational receptor binder-subtracted DPD were PCR-amplified and cloned into a plasmid vector specifically designed for short peptide expression. No unique binder was identified when 96 clones were randomly picked from the third round of panning against 5AZC-treated 3T3 cells, suggesting miscellaneous bindings to cell surface proteins. Unique binders showing homology to known function proteins were successfully identified when constitutive receptor binders were subtracted from 5AZC-induced protein binders. Some of identified peptides significantly increased alkaline phosphatase activity in 5AZC-Tx 3T3 cells. DPD can be a useful tool to screen functional peptide bindings to cell surface receptors.

Graphic Abstract
Pore-Scale Transport and Two-Phase Fluid Structures in Fibrous Porous Layers: Application to Fuel Cells and Beyond
Authors: Farzaneh Meisam , Ström Henrik , Zanini Filippo , Carmignato Simone , Sasic Srdjan , Maggiolo Dario
Published: November 2020

We present pore-scale simulations of two-phase flows in a reconstructed fibrous porous layer. The three-dimensional microstructure of the material, a fuel cell gas diffusion layer, is acquired via X-ray computed tomography and used as input for lattice Boltzmann simulations. We perform a quantitative analysis of the multiphase pore-scale dynamics, and we identify the dominant fluid structures governing mass transport. The results show the existence of three different regimes of transport: a fast inertial dynamics at short times, characterised by a compact uniform front, a viscous-capillary regime at intermediate times, where liquid is transported along a gradually increasing number of preferential flow paths of the size of one–two pores, and a third regime at longer times, where liquid, after having reached the outlet, is exclusively flowing along such flow paths and the two-phase fluid structures are stabilised. We observe that the fibrous layer presents significant variations in its microscopic morphology, which have an important effect on the pore invasion dynamics, and counteract the stabilising viscous force. Liquid transport is indeed affected by the presence of microstructure-induced capillary pressures acting adversely to the flow, leading to capillary fingering transport mechanism and unstable front displacement, even in the absence of hydrophobic treatments of the porous material. We propose a macroscopic model based on an effective contact angle that mimics the effects of the such a dynamic capillary pressure. Finally, we underline the significance of the results for the optimal design of face masks in an effort to mitigate the current COVID-19 pandemic.