bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bayesian mixture models for cytometry data analysis
Authors: Lin Lin , Hejblum Boris P
Published: October 2020

Bayesian mixture models are increasingly used for model‐based clustering and the follow‐up analysis on the clusters identified. As such, they are of particular interest for analyzing cytometry data where unsupervised clustering and association studies are often part of the scientific questions. Cytometry data are large quantitative data measured in a multidimensional space that typically ranges from a few dimensions to several dozens, and which keeps increasing due to innovative high‐throughput biotechonologies. We present several recent parametric and nonparametric Bayesian mixture modeling approaches, and describe advantages and limitations of these models under different research context for cytometry data analysis. We also acknowledge current computational challenges associated with the use of Bayesian mixture models for analyzing cytometry data, and we draw attention to recent developments in advanced numerical algorithms for estimating large Bayesian mixture models, which we believe have the potential to make Bayesian mixture model more applicable to new types of single‐cell data with higher dimensions.

This article is categorized under:

Statistical Learning and Exploratory Methods of the Data Sciences > Knowledge Discovery

Statistical Learning and Exploratory Methods of the Data Sciences > Modeling Methods

Statistical and Graphical Methods of Data Analysis > Bayesian Methods and Theory
Structure, Magnetic Properties, and 151Eu Mössbauer Spectra of the Indium‐rich Phase Eu3Rh2In15
Authors: Engelbert Simon , Klenner Steffen , Bönnighausen Judith , Kösters Jutta , Pöttgen Rainer
Published: October 2020

The indium‐rich intermetallic compound Eu3Rh2In15 was synthesized from the elements in a sealed tantalum ampoule at high temperature. Small silvery single crystals were obtained by slow cooling of the sample. Eu3Rh2In15 was studied by X‐ray diffraction on powders and single crystals. Its tetragonal Eu3Co2In15 type structure was refined from single crystal diffractometer data: P4/mbm, a = 1483.46(7), c = 439.70(3) pm, wR2 = 0.0205, 1092 F2 values and 38 parameters. The In1, In2 and In4 atoms in the Eu3Rh2In15 structure build up planar layers that are a tessellation of triangles, squares and pentagons. These layers are stacked in an AA sequence. The Rh atoms fill the trigonal prisms, Eu2, In3, and In5 square prisms and the Eu1 atoms the pentagonal prisms. The high indium content in Eu3Rh2In15 leads to a broad range of In–In distances (310–370 pm) and substantial In–In bonding within the three‐dimensional indium substructure. Temperature dependent magnetic susceptibility measurements show Curie–Weiss behavior and the experimental magnetic moment of 8.0(1) μB Eu atom–1 is compatible with divalent europium. Magnetization and specific heat data point to long‐range magnetic ordering at 14.0(2) K with a canted spin arrangement. 151Eu Mössbauer spectra confirm the divalent character of europium and underline the complex magnetic ordering. The two crystallographically independent europium sites show different isomer shifts [–11.06(2) mm·s–1 for Eu1 and –9.09(5) mm·s–1 for Eu2] and different magnetic hyperfine fields [16.1(1) T for Eu1 and 32.6(1) T for Eu2].
Identification through fine mapping and verification using CRISPR/Cas9-targeted mutagenesis for a minor QTL controlling grain weight in rice
Authors: Chan Aye Nyein , Wang Lin-Lin , Zhu Yu-Jun , Fan Ye-Yang , Zhuang Jie-Yun , Zhang Zhen-Hua
Published: October 2020

Key message

A minor QTL for grain weight in rice, qTGW1.2b, was fine-mapped. Its casual gene OsVQ4 was confirmed through CRISPR/Cas9-targeted mutagenesis, exhibiting an effect that was larger than the original QTL effect.

The CRISPR/Cas system exhibits a great potential for rice improvement, but the application was severely hindered due to insufficient target genes, especial the lack of validated genes underlying quantitative trait loci having small effects. In this study, a minor QTL for grain weight, qTGW1.2b, was fine-mapped into a 44.0 kb region using seven sets of near isogenic lines (NILs) developed from the indica rice cross (Zhenshan 97)3/Milyang 46, followed by validation of the causal gene using CRISPR/Cas9-targeted mutagenesis. In the NIL populations, 1000-grain weight of the Zhenshan 97 homozygous lines decreased by 0.9–2.0% compared with the Milyang 46 homozygous lines. A gene encoding VQ-motif protein, OsVQ4, was identified as the candidate gene based on parental sequence differences. The effect of OsVQ4 was confirmed by creating CRISPR/Cas9 knockout lines, whose 1000-grain weight decreased by 2.8–9.8% compared with the wild-type transgenic line and the recipient. These results indicate that applying genome editing system could create novel alleles with large phenotypic variation at minor QTLs, which is an effective way to validate causal genes of minor QTLs. Our study establishes a strategy for cloning minor QTLs, which could also be used to identify a large number of potential target genes for the application of CRISPR/Cas system.
Model-based analysis, control and dosing of electroplating electrolytes
Authors: Leiden Alexander , Kölle Stefan , Thiede Sebastian , Schmid Klaus , Metzner Martin , Herrmann Christoph
Published: October 2020

Controlling and dosing electrolytes is a key challenge in the operation of electroplating process chains. Electrolyte components are continuously degraded and dragged out during the production process. This process is influenced by a variety of internal and external factors such as process parameters, the electrolyte itself, anodes, the substrates and the production environment. The exact analytical measurement of the electrolyte composition requires extensive analytical equipment and typically cannot be completely realized within an industrial plating company. Therefore, this paper presents a model-based approach, integrated in a cyber-physical production system, for controlling and dosing electrolytes. A mathematical resource flow model is the basis for a dynamic agent-based simulation. This model uses available data from the manufacturing execution system and enterprise resource planning system to model the current composition of the electrolyte. The approach is successfully validated for two different electrolyte substances at an industrial acid zinc–nickel barrel plating process chain for automotive parts.
Competitive equilibria in a comonotone market
Authors: Boonen Tim J. , Liu Fangda , Wang Ruodu
Published: October 2020

We investigate competitive equilibria in a special type of incomplete markets, referred to as a comonotone market, where agents can only trade such that their risk allocation is comonotonic. The comonotone market is motivated by the no-sabotage condition. For instance, in a standard insurance market, the allocation of risk among the insured, the insurer and the reinsurers is assumed to be comonotonic a priori to the risk-exchange. Two popular classes of preferences in risk management and behavioral economics, dual utilities (DU) and rank-dependent expected utilities (RDU), are used to formulate agents’ objectives. We present various results on properties and characterization of competitive equilibria in this framework, and in particular their relation to complete markets. For DU-comonotone markets, we find the equilibrium in closed form and for RDU-comonotone markets, we find the equilibrium in closed form in special cases. The fundamental theorems of welfare economics are established in both the DU and RDU markets. We further propose an algorithm to numerically obtain competitive equilibria based on discretization, which works for both the DU-comonotone market and the RDU-comonotone market. Although the comonotone and complete markets are closely related, many of our findings are intriguing and in sharp contrast to results in the literature on complete markets in terms of existence, uniqueness, and closed-form solutions of the equilibria, and comonotonicity of the pricing kernel.
Quantitative T1 mapping of the normal brain from early infancy to adulthood
Authors: Gräfe Daniel , Frahm Jens , Merkenschlager Andreas , Voit Dirk , Hirsch Franz Wolfgang
Published: October 2020

Background

Quantitative mapping of MRI relaxation times is expected to uncover pathological processes in the brain more subtly than standard MRI techniques with weighted contrasts. So far, however, most mapping techniques suffer from a long measuring time, low spatial resolution or even sensitivity to magnetic field inhomogeneity.

Objective

To obtain T1 relaxation times of the normal brain from early infancy to adulthood using a novel technique for fast and accurate T1 mapping at high spatial resolution.

Materials and methods

We performed whole-brain T1 mapping within less than 3 min in 100 patients between 2 months and 18 years of age with normal brain at a field strength of 3 T. We analyzed T1 relaxation times in several gray-matter nuclei and white matter. Subsequently, we derived regression equations for mean value and confidence interval.

Results

T1 relaxation times of the pediatric brain rapidly decrease in all regions within the first 3 years of age, followed by a significantly weaker decrease until adulthood. These characteristics are more pronounced in white matter than in deep gray matter.

Conclusion

Regardless of age, quantitative T1 mapping of the pediatric brain is feasible in clinical practice. Normal age-dependent values should contribute to improved discrimination of subtle intracerebral alterations.
Diversity of bacterial symbionts associated with Myzus persicae (Sulzer) (Hemiptera: Aphididae: Aphidinae) revealed by 16S rRNA Illumina sequencing
Authors: Xu Shifen , Jiang Liyun , Qiao Gexia , Chen Jing
Published: October 2020

Aphids are known to be associated with a variety of symbiotic bacteria. To improve our knowledge of the bacterial diversity of polyphagous aphids, in the present study, we investigated the microbiota of the cosmopolitan agricultural pest Myzus persicae (Sulzer). Ninety-two aphid samples collected from different host plants in various regions of China were examined using high-throughput amplicon sequencing. We comprehensively characterized the symbiont diversity of M. persicae and assessed the variations in aphid-associated symbiont communities. We detected a higher diversity of symbionts than has been previously observed. M. persicae hosted the primary endosymbiont Buchnera aphidicola and seven secondary symbionts, among which Wolbachia was the most prevalent and Rickettsia, Arsenophonus, and Spiroplasma were reported for the first time. Ordination analyses and statistical tests revealed that the symbiont flora associated with M. persicae did not change with respect to host plant or geography, which may be due to frequent migrations between different aphid populations. These findings will advance our knowledge of the microbiota of polyphagous insects and will enrich our understanding of assembly of host-microbiome systems.
Planktonic and Benthic Bacterial Communities of the Largest Central European Shallow Lake, Lake Balaton and Its Main Inflow Zala River
Authors: Farkas Milán , Kaszab Edit , Radó Júlia , Háhn Judit , Tóth Gergő , Harkai Péter , Ferincz Árpád , Lovász Zsófia , Táncsics András , Vörös Lajos , Kriszt Balázs , Szoboszlay Sándor
Published: October 2020

Lake Balaton is the largest European shallow lake, which underwent cultural eutrophication in the ‘70–80s. Therefore, strict pollution control measures were introduced and the water quality has become meso-eutrophic since the millennium. Due to the touristic significance and change in trophic levels of the lake, numerous ecological studies were carried out, but none of them was focused on both benthic and planktonic microbial communities at the same time. In our study, an attempt was made to reveal the spatial bacterial heterogeneity of the Lake Balaton and Zala River by 16S rDNA terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism fingerprinting and Illumina amplicon sequencing methods in the summer of 2017. According to the molecular biology results, mostly well-known freshwater microorganisms, adapted to nutrient-poor conditions were found in the pelagic water column. The LD12 subclade member Fonsibacter ubiquis, the cyanobacterial Synechococcus sp. and unknown Verrucomicrobia species were abundant in the less nutrient-dense basins, while the hgcI clade members showed various distribution. In the estuary and in the nutrient-dense western part of the lake, some eutrophic conditions preferring cyanobacteria (filamentous Anabaena and Aphanizomenon species) were also detectable. The benthic microbial community showed higher diversity, according to the observed appearance of microorganisms adapted to the deeper, less aerated layers (e.g. members of Desulfobacteraceae, Nitrosomonadaceae).
Six months vitamin K treatment does not affect systemic arterial calcification or bone mineral density in diabetes mellitus 2
Authors: Bartstra Jonas W. , Draaisma Fieke , Zwakenberg Sabine R. , Lessmann Nikolas , Wolterink Jelmer M. , van der Schouw Yvonne T. , de Jong Pim A. , Beulens Joline W. J.
Published: October 2020

Purpose

Vitamin K-dependent proteins are involved in (patho)physiological calcification of the vasculature and the bones. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) is associated with increased arterial calcification and increased fractures. This study investigates the effect of 6 months vitamin K2 supplementation on systemic arterial calcification and bone mineral density (BMD) in DM2 patients with a history of cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Methods

In this pre-specified, post hoc analysis of a double-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial, patients with DM2 and CVD were randomized to a daily, oral dose of 360 µg vitamin K2 or placebo for 6 months. CT scans were made at baseline and follow-up. Arterial calcification mass was quantified in several large arterial beds and a total arterial calcification mass score was calculated. BMD was assessed in all non-fractured thoracic and lumbar vertebrae.

Results

68 participants were randomized, 35 to vitamin K2 (33 completed follow-up) and 33 to placebo (27 completed follow-up). The vitamin K group had higher arterial calcification mass at baseline [median (IQR): 1694 (812–3584) vs 1182 (235–2445)] for the total arterial calcification mass). Six months vitamin K supplementation did not reduce arterial calcification progression (β [95% CI]: − 0.02 [− 0.10; 0.06] for the total arterial calcification mass) or slow BMD decline (β [95% CI]: − 2.06 [− 11.26; 7.30] Hounsfield units for all vertebrae) when compared to placebo.

Conclusion

Six months vitamin K supplementation did not halt progression of arterial calcification or decline of BMD in patients with DM2 and CVD. Future clinical trials may want to pre-select patients with very low vitamin K status and longer follow-up time might be warranted. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02839044
Age and traumatic brain injury as prognostic factors for late-phase mortality in patients defined as polytrauma according to the New Berlin Definition: experiences from a level I trauma center
Authors: Weihs V. , Heel V. , Dedeyan M. , Lang N. W. , Frenzel S. , Hajdu S. , Heinz T.
Published: October 2020

Background

The rationale of this study was to identify independent prognostic factors influencing the late-phase survival of polytraumatized patients defined according to the New Berlin Definition.

Methods

Retrospective data analysis on 173 consecutively polytraumatized patients treated at a level I trauma center between January 2012 and December 2015. Patients were classified into two groups: severely injured patients (ISS > 16) and polytraumatized patients (patients who met the diagnostic criteria for the New Berlin Definition).

Results

Polytraumatized patients showed significantly lower late-phase and overall survival rates. The presence of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and age > 55 years had a significant influence on the late-phase survival in polytraumatized patients but not in severely injured patients. Despite the percentage of severe TBI being nearly identical in both groups, severe TBI was identified as main cause of death in polytraumatized patients. Furthermore, severe TBI remains the main cause of death in polytraumatized patients > 55 years of age, whereas younger polytraumatized patients (< 55 years of age) tend to die more often due to the acute trauma.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that age beyond 55 years and concomitant (severe) TBI remain as most important influencing risk factor for the late-phase survival of polytraumatized patients but not in severely injured patients.

Level of evidence

Prognostic study, level III.
Neurogenic tachykinin mechanisms in experimental nephritis of rats
Authors: Rodionova Kristina , Hilgers Karl F. , Paulus Eva-Maria , Tiegs Gisa , Ott Christian , Schmieder Roland , Schiffer Mario , Amann Kerstin , Veelken Roland , Ditting Tilmann
Published: October 2020

We demonstrated earlier that renal afferent pathways combine very likely “classical” neural signal transduction to the central nervous system and a substance P (SP)–dependent mechanism to control sympathetic activity. SP content of afferent sensory neurons is known to mediate neurogenic inflammation upon release. We tested the hypothesis that alterations in SP-dependent mechanisms of renal innervation contribute to experimental nephritis. Nephritis was induced by OX-7 antibodies in rats, 6 days later instrumented for recording of blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), drug administration, and intrarenal administration (IRA) of the TRPV1 agonist capsaicin to stimulate afferent renal nerve pathways containing SP and electrodes for renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA). The presence of the SP receptor NK-1 on renal immune cells was assessed by FACS. IRA capsaicin decreased RSNA from 62.4 ± 5.1 to 21.6 ± 1.5 mV s (*p < 0.05) in controls, a response impaired in nephritis. Suppressed RSNA transiently but completely recovered after systemic administration of a neurokinin 1 (NK1-R) blocker. NK-1 receptors occurred mainly on CD11+ dendritic cells (DCs). An enhanced frequency of CD11c+NK1R+ cell, NK-1 receptor+ macrophages, and DCs was assessed in nephritis. Administration of the NK-1R antagonist aprepitant during nephritis reduced CD11c+NK1R+ cells, macrophage infiltration, renal expression of chemokines, and markers of sclerosis. Hence, SP promoted renal inflammation by weakening sympathoinhibitory mechanisms, while at the same time, substance SP released intrarenally from afferent nerve fibers aggravated immunological processes i.e. by the recruitment of DCs.
Communicating cystic fibrosis newborn screening results to parents
Authors: Seddon L. , Dick K. , Carr S. B. , Balfour-Lynn I. M.
Published: October 2020

The way results of cystic fibrosis (CF) newborn screening are communicated to parents is critical yet is done differently across the globe. We surveyed parents of 101 children in our tertiary London paediatric centre with a 48% response rate. Parental responses were as follows: 40/42 (95%) said the information could not have been given over the phone and 39/43 (91%) said they wanted both partners present; 27/42 (64%) said it was helpful having the health visitor also present; and 37/40 (92%) felt it was acceptable to wait until the next day for the sweat test. We have reduced the time from first contact to arriving in the home to 2–3 h.

Conclusion: We believe that this survey backs up our approach of a home visit by a CF nurse specialist with the family’s health visitor to break the news. This is challenging in the current COVID-19 pandemic.

What is Known:• Breaking bad news can have a lasting impact on parents when not done the right way.• Giving results of cystic fibrosis (CF) newborn screening is done differently within the UK and around the world.What is New:• Our parental survey revealed that the majority (92%) believed this should be done face to face and not over the telephone.• There was a mixed response to whether the parents should be told the genotype (assuming the CF centre knew), and thus the CF diagnosis before the confirmatory sweat test was carried out.
Numerical analysis of stress-state-dependent damage and failure behavior of ductile steel based on biaxial experiments
Authors: Brünig Michael , Schmidt Marco , Gerke Steffen
Published: October 2020

The paper deals with a numerical model to investigate the influence of stress state on damage and failure in the ductile steel X5CrNi18-10. The numerical analysis is based on an anisotropic continuum damage model taking into account yield and damage criteria as well as evolution equations for plastic and damage strain rate tensors. Results of numerical simulations of biaxial experiments with the X0- and the H-specimen presented. In the experiments, formation of strain fields are monitored by digital image correlation which can be compared with numerically predicted ones to validate the numerical model. Based on the numerical analysis the strain and stress quantities in selected parts of the specimens are predicted. Analysis of damage strain variables enables prediction of fracture lines observed in the tests. Stress measures are used to explain different stress-state-dependent damage and failure mechanisms on the micro-level visualized on fracture surfaces by scanning electron microscopy.
Isolated compression of the ulnar motor branch due to carpal joint ganglia: clinical series, surgical technique and postoperative outcomes
Authors: Saracco Michela , Panzera Rocco Maria , Merico Barbara , Madia Francesca , Pagliei Antonio , Rocchi Lorenzo
Published: October 2020

The entrapment of the ulnar nerve in Guyon’s canal (GC) is a well-known wrist canalicular syndrome which is usually followed by a gradual combination of both sensitive and motor symptomatology. However, GC nerve compression could also cause a pure hand motor dysfunction. This condition, less frequent than the classic Guyon’s syndrome, can be difficult to diagnose. Authors report a case series of eight patients affected by isolated compression of the ulnar nerve motor branch, due to piso-triquetrum or triquetro-hamate joint ganglia. Surgical technique and postoperative outcomes are discussed in this paper. The isolated compression of the ulnar nerve motor branch is a very rare clinical condition which is often linked to several causes. The rarity of the pathology is probably due to lack of knowledge and therefore to the difficulty in formulating a correct diagnosis. Surgical treatment appears to be decisive in most cases, although late diagnosis often leads to incomplete functional recovery.
NMR Study of Spin Dynamics in V7Zn and V7Ni Molecular Rings
Authors: Adelnia F. , Arosio P. , Mariani M. , Orsini F. , Radaelli A. , Sangregorio C. , Borsa F. , Walsh J. P. S. , Winpenny R. , Timco G. , Lascialfari A.
Published: October 2020

We present a 1H NMR investigation of spin dynamics in two finite integer spin molecular nanomagnetic rings, namely V7Zn and V7Ni. This study could be put in correlation with the problem of Haldane gap in infinite integer spin chains. While V7Zn is an approximation of a homometallic broken chain due to the presence of s = 0 Zn2+ ion uncoupled from nearest neighbor V2+s = 1 ions, the V7Ni compound constitutes an example of a closed periodical s = 1 heterometallic chain. From preliminary susceptibility measurements on single crystals and data analysis, the exchange coupling constant J/kB results in the order of few kelvin. At room temperature, the frequency behavior of the 1H NMR spin–lattice relaxation rate 1/T1 allowed to conclude that the spin–spin correlation function is similar to the one observed in semi-integer spin molecules, but with a smaller cutoff frequency. Thus, the high-T data can be interpreted in terms of, e.g., a Heisenberg model including spin diffusion. On the other hand, the behavior of 1/T1 vs temperature at different constant fields reveals a clear peak at temperature of the order of J/kB, qualitatively in agreement with the well-known Bloembergen–Purcell–Pound model and with previous results on semi-integer molecular spin systems. Consequently, one can suggest that for a small number N of interacting s = 1 ions (N = 8), the Haldane conjecture does not play a key role on spin dynamics, and the investigated rings still keep the quantum nature imposed mainly by the low number of magnetic centers, with no clear topological effect due to integer spins.
Metabolic engineering of Escherichia coli W for isobutanol production on chemically defined medium and cheese whey as alternative raw material
Authors: Novak Katharina , Baar Juliane , Freitag Philipp , Pflügl Stefan
Published: October 2020

The aim of this study was to establish isobutanol production on chemically defined medium in Escherichia coli. By individually expressing each gene of the pathway, we constructed a plasmid library for isobutanol production. Strain screening on chemically defined medium showed successful production in the robust E. coli W strain, and expression vector IB 4 was selected as the most promising construct due to its high isobutanol yields and efficient substrate uptake. The investigation of different aeration strategies in combination with strain improvement and the implementation of a pulsed fed-batch were key for the development of an efficient production process. E. coli W ΔldhA ΔadhE Δpta ΔfrdA enabled aerobic isobutanol production at 38% of the theoretical maximum. Use of cheese whey as raw material resulted in longer process stability, which allowed production of 20 g l−1 isobutanol. Demonstrating isobutanol production on both chemically defined medium and a residual waste stream, this study provides valuable information for further development of industrially relevant isobutanol production processes.
Indexed left ventricular mass to QRS voltage ratio is associated with heart failure hospitalizations in patients with cardiac amyloidosis
Authors: Slivnick Jeremy A. , Wallner Alexander L. , Vallakati Ajay , Truong Vien T. , Mazur Wojciech , Elamin Mohamed B. , Tong Matthew S. , Raman Subha V. , Zareba Karolina M.
Published: October 2020

In cardiac amyloidosis (CA), amyloid infiltration results in increased left ventricular (LV) mass disproportionate to electrocardiographic (EKG) voltage. We assessed the relationship between LV mass–voltage ratio with subsequent heart failure hospitalization (HHF) and mortality in CA. Patients with confirmed CA and comprehensive cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) and EKG exams were included. CMR-derived LV mass was indexed to body surface area. EKG voltage was assessed using Sokolow, Cornell, and Limb–voltage criteria. The optimal LV mass–voltage ratio for predicting outcomes was determined using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. The relationship between LV mass–voltage ratio and HHF was assessed using Cox proportional hazards analysis adjusting for significant covariates. A total of 85 patients (mean 69 ± 11 years, 22% female) were included, 42 with transthyretin and 43 with light chain CA. At a median of 3.4-year follow-up, 49% of patients experienced HHF and 60% had died. In unadjusted analysis, Cornell LV mass–voltage ratio was significantly associated with HHF (HR, 1.05; 95% CI 1.02–1.09, p = 0.001) and mortality (HR, 1.05; 95% CI 1.02–1.07, p = 0.001). Using ROC curve analysis, the optimal cutoff value for Cornell LV mass–voltage ratio to predict HHF was 6.7 gm/m2/mV. After adjusting for age, NYHA class, BNP, ECV, and LVEF, a Cornell LV mass–voltage ratio > 6.7 gm/m2/mV was significantly associated with HHF (HR 2.25, 95% CI 1.09–4.61; p = 0.03) but not mortality. Indexed LV mass–voltage ratio is associated with subsequent HHF and may be a useful prognostic marker in cardiac amyloidosis.
Leber hereditary optic neuropathy following head trauma and ocular trauma on contralateral eye: a case report
Authors: Kim Hoon Dong
Published: October 2020

Purpose

To present a case of activation of Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) following head and ocular trauma of the fellow eye in the patient with no remarkable symptoms and normal visual acuity prior to trauma.

Case summary

A 31-year-old healthy man was referred to our hospital after a traffic accident. He had blowout fractures of medial and inferior orbital wall of the left eye, subcutaneous hematoma of the left forehead, and bony fragment that compressed the left optic nerve. Initially, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 20/20 in the right and 20/1000 in the left eyes. Relative afferent pupillary defect of the left eye was apparent, and fundus examination revealed choroidal rupture circumferentially crossing the macular area. Nine months later, the patient complained with gradual vision loss in the right eye, which was the contralateral eye of the ocular trauma. BCVA was 20/200, and perimetry revealed cecocentral scotoma in the right eye. BCVA in both eyes reduced to 20/2000 1 year post-trauma. Visual evoked potentials revealed markedly decreased in amplitudes and elongated latencies for both eyes. Mitochondrial DNA analysis revealed a G11778A mutation; therefore, a diagnosis of activation of LHON followed by trauma was made for the previously unaffected carrier.

Conclusions

This is a case in which activation of LHON occurred in a healthy carrier following head and ocular trauma of the fellow eye. This observation suggests the possibility that LHON activation in healthy carriers may occur in patients who experience head or ocular trauma even in the fellow eye.
Dynamical Phenomena and Their Models: Truth and Empirical Correctness
Authors: Giunti Marco
Published: October 2020

In the epistemological tradition, there are two main interpretations of the semantic relation that an empirical theory may bear to the real world. According to realism, the theory-world relationship should be conceived as truth; according to instrumentalism, instead, it should be limited to empirical adequacy. Then, depending on how empirical theories are conceived, either syntactically as a class of sentences, or semantically as a class of models, the concepts of truth and empirical adequacy assume different and specific forms. In this paper, we review two main conceptions of truth (one sentence-based and one model-based) and two of empirical adequacy (one sentence-based and one model-based), we point out their respective difficulties, and we give a first formulation of a new general view of the theory-world relationship, which we call Methodological Constructive Realism (MCR). We then show how the content of MCR can be further specified and expressed in a definite and precise form. The bulk of the paper shows in detail how it is possible to accomplish this goal for the special case of deterministic dynamical phenomena and their correlated deterministic models. This special version of MCR is formulated as an axiomatic extension of set theory, whose specific axioms constitute a formal ontology that provides an adequate framework for analyzing the two semantic relations of truth and empirical correctness, as well as their connections.
The Impact of Navya-Nyāya on Mādhva Vedānta: Vyāsatīrtha and the Problem of Empty Terms
Authors: Williams Michael Thomas
Published: October 2020

In this article, I explore the encounter of the Mādhva philosopher Vyāsatīrtha with the works of the Navya-Naiyāyika Gaṅgeśa Upādhyāya. The article is based on original translations of passages from Vyāsatīrtha’s Nyāyāmr̥ta and Tarkatāṇḍava. Philosophically, the article focuses on the issue of empty-terms/nonexistent entities, particularly in the context of the theory of inference. I begin by outlining the origin of the Mādhva and Nyāya positions about these issues in their respective analyses of perceptual illusion. I then contrast the role of Gaṅgeśa’s thought in the Nyāyāmr̥ta and Tarkatāṇḍava and show how Vyāsatīrtha responds to Gaṅgeśa’s ideas in different ways in those texts. I conclude with a discussion of how Vyāsatīrtha defends the Mādhva theory of “substrate-free” qualities against Gaṅgeśa in order to show that we can think and make valid inferences about nonexistent things.
The DIRECT algorithm: 25 years Later
Authors: Jones Donald R. , Martins Joaquim R. R. A.
Published: October 2020

Introduced in 1993, the DIRECT global optimization algorithm provided a fresh approach to minimizing a black-box function subject to lower and upper bounds on the variables. In contrast to the plethora of nature-inspired heuristics, DIRECT was deterministic and had only one hyperparameter (the desired accuracy). Moreover, the algorithm was simple, easy to implement, and usually performed well on low-dimensional problems (up to six variables). Most importantly, DIRECT balanced local and global search (exploitation vs. exploration) in a unique way: in each iteration, several points were sampled, some for global and some for local search. This approach eliminated the need for “tuning parameters” that set the balance between local and global search. However, the very same features that made DIRECT simple and conceptually attractive also created weaknesses. For example, it was commonly observed that, while DIRECT is often fast to find the basin of the global optimum, it can be slow to fine-tune the solution to high accuracy. In this paper, we identify several such weaknesses and survey the work of various researchers to extend DIRECT so that it performs better. All of the extensions show substantial improvement over DIRECT on various test functions. An outstanding challenge is to improve performance robustly across problems of different degrees of difficulty, ranging from simple (unimodal, few variables) to very hard (multimodal, sharply peaked, many variables). Opportunities for further improvement may lie in combining the best features of the different extensions.
Absolute and relative measurement of the 243Am half-life
Authors: Marouli M. , Pommé S. , Jobbágy V. , Stroh H. , Van Ammel R. , Fankhauser A. , Jakopič R. , Richter S. , Aregbe Y. , Crozet M. , Maillard C. , Rivier C. , Roudil D.
Published: October 2020

The half-life of 243Am has been measured by an absolute and a relative method, i.e. by determining the specific activity of 243Am and the specific activity ratio with 241Am. A mixed 241,243Am reference material was produced and certified for its americium mass content and its isotope amount ratios. The characterisation of the mass content of 243Am was established by isotope dilution mass spectrometry using an 241Am spike, produced from highly enriched 241Pu material. The isotope amount ratios n(241Am)/n(243Am) and n(242mAm)/n(243Am) were measured by thermal ionisation mass spectrometry. Activity measurements were performed by alpha-particle counting at a defined solid angle, as well as high-resolution alpha-particle spectrometry. From the 243Am/241Am activity and isotopic amount ratios, a value of 16.988 (24) was derived for the 243Am/241Am half-life ratio. Using a value of 432.6 (6) a for the 241Am half-life, the corresponding 243Am half-life value, 7349 (15) a, is in good agreement with the result obtained from the absolute method, 7342 (14) a. The mean value, 7345 (14) a, agrees well with data from literature and lowers the relative standard uncertainty to 0.2%.
Electoral integrity matters: how electoral process conditions the relationship between political losing and political trust
Authors: Mauk Marlene
Published: October 2020

This contribution adds a new perspective to the debate on electoral integrity by asking how electoral integrity affects the way in which election results translate into citizen attitudes towards the political system. It introduces a causal mechanism that links political losing to political trust via evaluations of electoral fairness: citizens who voted for the losing camp are more likely to view the electoral process as unfair than citizens who voted for the winning camp, resulting in political distrust. It further suggests that the effects of political losing on political trust depend on the level of electoral integrity. In conditions where the elections were conducted in a free and fair manner, even those who voted for the losing camp have little reason to suspect foul play and therefore political losing should barely affect perceptions of the electoral process. Whenever there are actual indications of electoral malpractice, however, political losers have much more reason to doubt the integrity of the electoral process than those who are content with the outcome of the election. The contribution makes use of a unique dataset that ex-post harmonizes survey data from three cross-national survey projects (Asian Barometer Survey, European Social Survey, Latinobarómetro) and macro-level data from the Varieties-of-Democracy Project to cover 45 democracies in Europe, East Asia, and Latin America. Using multi-level modeling, it finds that political losing indeed decreases political trust indirectly via perceptions of electoral fairness. Confirming its key proposition, the empirical analysis shows that political losing has a weaker effect on political trust in countries where electoral integrity is high.
Are cooperative firms more agile? A contingency perspective on small and medium-sized enterprises in agglomerations and peripheral areas
Authors: Mueller Elisabeth F. , Jungwirth Carola
Published: October 2020

In this study of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in German key technology industries, we investigate whether cooperating with others is an effective strategy for SMEs to enhance their organizational agility. Taking a contingency perspective, we are specifically interested in whether this effect depends on the firm’s location in an agglomerated or a peripheral area. Results show that a greater number of cooperative relationships with others is positively associated with SMEs’ organizational agility. This effect is stronger for agglomerated than for peripheral firms, suggesting that agglomerated SMEs can seize the abundant opportunities to cooperate in order to counter agglomeration diseconomies such as organizational inertia and mimetic behavior. This finding highlights the importance of absorbing external knowledge gained in cooperative relationships for SMEs’ organizational agility. Thereby, the study offers a novel perspective on how agglomerated SMEs can actively prevent being negatively affected by the downsides of agglomerations.
What is neurophilosophy: Do we need a non-reductive form?
Authors: Klar Philipp
Published: October 2020

Neurophilosophy is a controversial scientific discipline lacking a broadly accepted definition and especially a well-elaborated methodology. Views about what neurophilosophy entails and how it can combine neuroscience with philosophy, as in their branches (e.g. metaphysics, epistemology, ethics) and methodologies, diverge widely. This article, first of all, presents a brief insight into the naturalization of philosophy regarding neurophilosophy and three resulting distinguishable forms of how neuroscience and philosophy may or may not be connected in part 1, namely reductive neurophilosophy, the parallelism between neuroscience and philosophy which keeps both disciplines rather strictly separated and lastly, non-reductive neurophilosophy which aims for a bidirectional connection of both disciplines. Part 2 presents a paradigmatic example of how these three forms of neuroscience and philosophy approach the problem of self, mainly concerning its ontological status (existence and reality). This allows me to compare all three neurophilosophical approaches with each other and to highlight the benefits of a non-reductive form of neurophilosophy. I conclude that especially non-reductive neurophilosophy can give full justice to the complementary position of neurophilosophy right at the intersection between neuroscience, philosophy, and psychology.
Bioactivity of volatile organic compounds by Aureobasidium species against gray mold of tomato and table grape
Authors: Di Francesco A. , Zajc J. , Gunde-Cimerman N. , Aprea E. , Gasperi F. , Placì N. , Caruso F. , Baraldi E.
Published: October 2020

Aureobasidium strains isolated from diverse unconventional environments belonging to the species A. pullulans, A. melanogenum, and A. subglaciale were evaluated for Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) production as a part of their modes of action against Botrytis cinerea of tomato and table grape. By in vitro assay, VOCs generated by the antagonists belonging to the species A. subglaciale showed the highest inhibition percentage of the pathogen mycelial growth (65.4%). In vivo tests were conducted with tomatoes and grapes artificially inoculated with B. cinerea conidial suspension, and exposed to VOCs emitted by the most efficient antagonists of each species (AP1, AM10, AS14) showing that VOCs of AP1 (A. pullulans) reduced the incidence by 67%, partially confirmed by the in vitro results. Conversely, on table grape, VOCs produced by all the strains did not control the fungal incidence but were only reducing the infection severity (< 44.4% by A. pullulans; < 30.5% by A. melanogenum, and A. subglaciale). Solid-phase microextraction (SPME) and subsequent gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry identified ethanol, 3-methyl-1-butanol, 2-methyl-1-propanol as the most produced VOCs. However, there were differences in the amounts of produced VOCs as well as in their repertoire. The EC50 values of VOCs for reduction of mycelial growth of B. cinerea uncovered 3-methyl-1-butanol as the most effective compound. The study demonstrated that the production and the efficacy of VOCs by Aureobasidium could be directly related to the specific species and pathosystem and uncovers new possibilities for searching more efficient VOCs producing strains in unconventional habitats other than plants.
Quality of life after traumatic brain injury: a cross-sectional analysis uncovers age- and sex-related differences over the adult life span
Authors: Rauen Katrin , Späni Claudia B. , Tartaglia Maria Carmela , Ferretti Maria Teresa , Reichelt Lara , Probst Philipp , Schäpers Barbara , Müller Friedemann , Jahn Klaus , Plesnila Nikolaus
Published: October 2020

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the leading cause of disability in the working population and becomes increasingly prevalent in the elderly. Thus, TBI is a major global health burden. However, age- and sex-related long-term outcome regarding patient’s health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is yet not clarified. In this cross-sectional study, we present age- and sex-related demographics and HRQoL up to 10 years after TBI using the Quality of Life after Brain Injury (QOLIBRI) instrument. The QOLIBRI total score ranges from zero to 100 indicating good (≥ 60), moderate (40–59) or unfavorable (< 40) HRQoL. Two-thirds of the entire chronic TBI cohort (102 males; 33 females) aged 18–85 years reported good HRQoL up to 10 years after TBI. TBI etiology differed between sexes with females suffering more often from traffic- than fall-related TBI (p = 0.01) with increasing prevalence during aging (p = < 0.001). HRQoL (good/moderate/unfavorable) differed between sexes (p < 0.0001) with 17% more females reporting moderate outcome (p = 0.01). Specifically, older females (54–76-years at TBI) were affected, while males constantly reported good HRQoL (p = 0.017). Cognition (p = 0.014), self-perception (p = 0.009), and emotions (p = 0.016) rather than physical problems (p = 0.1) constrained older females’ HRQoL after TBI. Experiencing TBI during aging does not influence HRQoL outcome in males but females suggesting that female brains cope less well with a traumatic injury during aging. Therefore, older females need long-term follow-ups after TBI to detect neuropsychiatric sequels that restrict their quality of life. Further investigations are necessary to uncover the mechanisms of this so far unknown phenomenon.
Solid fraction of separated digestate as soil improver: implications for soil fertility and carbon sequestration
Authors: Egene Caleb Elijah , Sigurnjak Ivona , Regelink Inge C. , Schoumans Oscar F. , Adani Fabrizio , Michels Evi , Sleutel Steven , Tack Filip M. G. , Meers Erik
Published: October 2020

Purpose

This study investigated the C and N mineralisation potential of solid fractions (SFs) from co-digestated pig manure after P-stripping (P-POOR SF) in comparison with P-rich SFs, as a means to estimate their organic matter stability in soil. Compost (COMP) and biochar (BCHR) (made from P-POOR SF) were also included in the study as reference biosolids.

Methods

The SFs were incubated in a sandy-loam soil under moist conditions to determine production of CO2and mineral N. At specified intervals, CO2evolution in the mixtures was measured via the alkali trap method and titration over a period of 81 days, while mineral N was measured using a flow analyser after KCl extraction over a period of 112 days.

Results

The various SFs showed similar patterns of C mineralisation (15–26% of added total C in 81 days) that were clearly higher than for COMP and BCHR (6% and 7%, respectively). Temporary N immobilisation was observed in biosolids with a high C/N ratio. The effective organic matter (EOM) of the SFs was calculated based on the C mineralisation data and varied between 130 and 369 kg Mg−1.

Conclusions

The SF with a reduced P content had a high EOM/P ratio which is beneficial in areas where P status of the soil is already high. Moreover, the N mineralisation patterns confirm that a high C/N ratio may also reduce risks for N leaching due to temporary N immobilisation.
Probing surface interactions of underwater oleophobic polyelectrolyte multilayers
Authors: Li Kai , Wang Wei , Yu Zhi-Peng , Jin Hang , Ge Yun-Tong , Gao Wei-Wei , Xiao Fan , Huang Hui-Rong , Peng Ze-Heng , Gong Jing
Published: October 2020

In the present work, the interaction mechanism of specific polyelectrolyte multilayers (PEMs), fabricated by layer-by-layer deposition of polydiallyldimethylammonium chloride (PDDA) and poly(sodium 4-styrenesulfonate) (PSS), is studied using atomic force microscopy. The underwater oil-repellency of PSS-capped PEMs was further explored by measuring the interaction forces between tetradecane droplets and PEMs-coated silica substrates under various salinities. The force curves were analyzed following the Stokes–Reynolds–Young–Laplace theoretical model. Desirable consistency was achieved between the experimental and theoretical calculations at low NaCl concentrations (0.1 mM and 1 mM); however, underestimation of the attractive force was found as the NaCl concentration increases to moderate (10 mM) and high (100 mM) levels. Discrepancy analyses and incorporated features toward a reduced surface charge density were considered based on the previous findings of the orientation of anionic benzenesulfonate moieties (Liu et al. in Angew Chem Int Ed 54(16):4851–4856, 2015. https://doi.org/10.1002/anie.201411992). Short-range steric hindrance interactions were further introduced to simulate “brush” effect stemming from nanoscale surface roughness. It is demonstrated in our work that the PSS-capped PEMs remains a stable underwater lipophobicity against high salinity, which renders it potential application in surface wetting modification and anti-fouling.
On reconstructing subvarieties from their periods
Authors: Movasati Hossein , Sertöz Emre Can
Published: October 2020

We give a new practical method for computing subvarieties of projective hypersurfaces. By computing the periods of a given hypersurfaceX, we find algebraic cohomology cycles onX. On well picked algebraic cycles, we can then recover the equations of subvarieties ofXthat realize these cycles. In practice, a bulk of the computations involve transcendental numbers and have to be carried out with floating point numbers. However, ifXis defined over algebraic numbers then the coefficients of the equations of subvarieties can be reconstructed as algebraic numbers. A symbolic computation then verifies the results. As an illustration of the method, we compute generators of the Picard groups of some quartic surfaces. A highlight of the method is that the Picard group computations are proved to be correct despite the fact that the Picard numbers of our examples are not extremal.