bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Markers of respiratory function response to high‐carbohydrate and high‐fat intake in patients with lung diseases: a systematic review with meta‐analysis of randomized clinical trials
Authors: Guerra Bruno A. , Pereira Thainá G. , Eckert Igor C. , Bernardes Simone , Silva Flávia M.
Published: April 2022

Background

Macronutrients can differently affect respiratory function markers such as VO2, VCO2, PaO2, PaCO2, and respiratory quotients (RQs), but systematic appraisal of the evidence on randomized clinical trials (RCTs) is lacking.

Objective

The objective of this work is to compare the response of respiratory function markers with high‐carbohydrate and high‐fat intake in patients with lung diseases.

Methods

Systematic review conducted according to Cochrane Collaboration recommendations, reported following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analysis for pairwise systematic reviews of interventions 2020. PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and Cochrane CENTRAL were searched up to July 2021. Two reviewers selected the RCTs and extracted the data. Risk of bias and the certainty of evidence were assessed by RoB 2 and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation System criteria, respectively. Statistical and graphical data guided the publication bias investigation. Meta‐analyses were conducted.

Results

We included 14 RCTs (362 participants), four of which were parallel. Most studies included patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. High‐fat intake decreased VCO2 (mean difference [MD] = −35.89 ml/min [95% confidence interval (CI), −45.24 to −26.21]); I² = 0%), VO2 (MD = −29.30 ml/min [95% CI, −40.94 to −17.66]; I² = 0%), PaCO2 mm Hg (MD = −4.62 [95% CI, −7.67 to −1.58]; I² = 84%), and RQ (MD = −0.08 [95% CI, −0.09 to −0.06]; I² = 0%) in the subset of parallel RCTs. In crossover RCTs, there was generally no evidence of effect except for a greater decrease in RQ (MD = −0.09 [95% CI, −0.12 to −0.02]; I² = 96%) in favor of high‐fat intake.

Conclusion

High‐fat intake resulted in greater reductions of VCO2, VO2, PaCO2, and RQ in adult patients with lung diseases. The certainty of the evidence is very low/low, and it precludes a specific recommendation on macronutrients contribution to energy intake of these patients.
Comparative metabolomics reveal intraspecies variability in bioactive compounds of different cultivars of pomegranate fruit (Punica granatum L.) and their waste by‐products
Authors: El Newehy Nihal M. , Abd‐Alhaseeb Mohammad M. , Omran Gamal A. , Harraz Fathallah M. , Shawky Eman
Published: April 2022

BACKGROUND

The different parts of pomegranate fruit are considered a powerful mixture of bioactive compounds yet the peels and pulps of the fruits are usually discarded and considered as industrial waste. In this work, ultra‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (UPLC‐QqQ‐MS) was utilized for metabolomics analysis of different parts (peel, pulp, seed and juice) of pomegranate fruit cultivars to verify possible variations among the fruits and their waste products as potential sources of functional constituents.

RESULTS

Orthogonal projection to latent structure‐discriminant analysis (OPLS‐DA) coefficient‐plot showed enrichment of phenolic compounds such as punicalagin and ellagic acid derivatives in pulp samples while seeds class was enriched in phlorizin, catechin and quercetin, juice class showed abundance of naringenin and pelargonidin‐3‐pentoside while peels were enriched in anthocyanins and flavonoids including cyanidin diglycoside, quercetin and luteolin glycosides. Although the juice samples of almost all tested cultivars showed remarkable cytotoxic activity, the pulp samples, particularly the Manfalouti cultivar, exhibited the most potent [half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) = 2.367 ± 0.14 μg/mL in MCF‐7, IC50 = 3.854 ± 0.23 μg/mL in Hep‐G2 cell lines]. OPLS models were constructed for determination of cytotoxicity‐associated metabolites among where the coefficients plots revealed tannins; granatin A, ellagic acid derivatives, punicalagin α and β, in addition to anthocyanins and phenolic compounds; cyanidin diglycoside, quercetin, phlorizin, 3‐O‐caffeoylquinic acid, naringenin and liquiritin were more pertinent with cytotoxicity of the different parts of pomegranate fruit.

CONCLUSION

The results obtained allow for the full utilization of the resources of pomegranate fruit and its industrial waste as sources of bioactive compounds. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Bayesian spatial modeling of moose count data: increasing estimator efficiency and exploring ecological hypotheses
Authors: Schmidt Joshua H. , Cameron Matthew D. , Joly Kyle , Pruszenski Jordan M. , Reynolds Joel H. , Sorum Mathew S.
Published: April 2022

Moose management throughout much of Alaska and Canada relies on aerial count data, which are commonly collected using the geospatial population estimator (GSPE) protocol. The GSPE uses a model‐based analytical approach and finite‐population block kriging to estimate abundance from a collection of sampled survey units. Widespread implementation and well‐documented analytical software have resulted in reliable estimates of moose abundance, density, and composition across a large proportion of their range. Analysis is conducted almost exclusively using the GSPE software, which fits a fixed model structure to data collected within a single year. The downside of this approach to analysis is that the fixed model structure is inefficient for estimation, leading to more field effort than would otherwise be necessary to achieve a desired level of estimator precision. We developed a more easily modified and flexible Bayesian spatial general additive model approach (BSG) that accommodates spatial and temporal covariates (e.g., habitat characteristics, trend), multiple survey events, prior information, and incomplete detection. Using a series of 6 GSPE surveys conducted in Yukon‐Charley Rivers National Preserve, Alaska, USA, from 2003–2019, we established the equivalence of the 2 approaches under similar model structures. We then extended the BSG to demonstrate how a more comprehensive approach to analysis can affect estimator precision and be used to assess ecological relationships. The precision of annual abundance estimators from the BSG were improved by an average of 43% over those based on the standard GSPE analysis, highlighting the very real costs of assuming a fixed (i.e., suboptimal) model structure. The population increased at a rate of 2.3%/year (95% CrI = 0.8–3.8%), and the increase was largely explained by a parallel increase in wildfire extent (i.e., high quality moose habitat). These results suggest that our approach could be used to increase estimator efficiency or decrease future survey costs without any modifications to the basic protocol. While modification of the GSPE software is possible, practitioners may find the BSG approach more convenient for quickly developing model structures for a particular application, thereby allowing them to extract more information from existing and future datasets.
Flexible habitat choice of pelagic bacteria increases system stability and energy flow through the microbial loop
Authors: Villalba Luis Alberto , Karnatak Rajat , Grossart Hans‐Peter , Wollrab Sabine
Published: April 2022

Pelagic bacteria can be classified into free‐living and particle‐attached life modes, which either dwell in the water column or attach to suspended particles. Bacteria with a generalist life style, however, can actively shift between these two habitats. Globally increasing densities of natural and artificial particles enhance habitat heterogeneity, with potential consequences for system stability and trophic transfer through aquatic food webs. To better decipher the dynamics of microbial communities, we investigated the influence of adaptive vs. fixed habitat choice on species coexistence for a simplified bacterial community by analyzing a corresponding food web model, consisting of two specialist bacterial prey species (free and attached), a generalist bacterial prey species with the ability to shift between both habitats, and two protist predators, specialized on either water or particle compartment. For simplicity we assume a shared resource pool, considering particles only for colonization but not as a source for nutrients or carbon, that is, inert particles like microplastics or inorganic sediments. The model predicts coexistence on a cyclic attractor between fixed and flexible bacteria, if the costs for adaptive habitat choice can be balanced by adaptation speed. The presence of adaptive prey dampens predator–prey cycle amplitudes, contributing to system stabilization resulting in higher mean predator biomass compared to specialist prey only. Thus, in pelagic microbial systems, flexible habitat choice at the prey level has important implications for system stability and magnitude of energy flow through the microbial loop.
Bifurcate responses of tidal range to sea‐level rise in estuaries with marsh evolution
Authors: Cai Xun , Qin Qubin , Shen Jian , Zhang Yinglong J.
Published: April 2022

The response of tidal range in tidal marshes under sea‐level rise (SLR) is essential to the marsh resilience, but how tidal ranges respond to different marsh evolutions remains unclear. Here, we show the existence of bifurcate responses of tidal range to SLR using both numerical model and theoretical analyses. The tidal range tends to increase if marsh accretion keeps pace with SLR; otherwise, the tidal range tends to decrease. As tidal range plays the key role in marsh evolution, the interactions between changing tidal range and marsh evolution lead to positive feedback on marsh resilience. If the marsh accretion can keep up with the SLR, the increase in the tidal range can enhance marsh resilience to SLR. If the marsh cannot keep up, the decrease in the tidal range may further threaten the marsh resilience or even lead to marsh retreat.
Tetracyanobutadienyl‐Based Nonlinear Optical Dendronized Hyperbranched Polymer Synthesized via [2+2] Cycloaddition Polymer Postfunctionalization
Authors: Li Zhong'an , Zang Xiaobo , Li Yibin , Li Qianqian , Li Zhen
Published: April 2022

Dendronized hyperbranched polymers (DHPs) can provide advantages for both hyperbranched polymers and dendrimers, making them a promising structure platform for high‐performance second‐order nonlinear optical (NLO) materials. Herein, a new A3+B2‐type DHP (HP2) is reported through facile and efficient [2+2] cycloaddition polymer postfunctionalization, in which tetracyanobutadienyl‐based moieties are introduced as the main chromophores while isophorone‐bridged moieties serve as the isolation chromophores. Benefiting from this unique hyperbranched structure design, the measured second‐harmonic generation coefficient of HP2 can reach up to 96.6 pm V−1 with high thermal stability, making it a good material candidate for second‐order NLO applications.
Stationary localised patterns without Turing instability
Authors: Al Saadi Fahad , Worthy Annette , Msmali Ahmed , Nelson Mark
Published: April 2022

Since the pioneering work of Turing, it has been known that diffusion can destablise a homogeneous solution that is stable in the underlying model in the absence of diffusion. The destabilisation of the homogeneous solutions leads to the generation of patterns. In recent years, techniques have been developed to analyse so‐called localised spatial structures. These are solutions in which the spatial structure occurs in a localised region. Unlike Turing patterns, they do not spread out across the whole domain. We investigate the existence of localised structures that occur in two predator‐prey models. The functionalities chosen have been widely used in the literature. The existence of localised spatial structures has not investigated previously. Indeed, it is easy to show that these models cannot exhibit the Turing instability. This has perhaps led earlier researchers to conclude that interesting spatial solutions can therefore not occur for these models. The novelty of our paper is that we show the existence of stationary localised patterns in systems which do not undergo the Turing instability. The mathematical tools used are a combination of Linear and weakly nonlinear analysis with supporting numerical methods. By combining these methods, we are able to identify conditions for a wide range of increasing exotic behaviour. This includes the Belyckov‐Devaney transition, a codimension two spatial instability point and the formation of localised patterns. The combination of spectral computations and numerical simulations reveals the crucial role played by the Hopf bifurcation in mediating the stability of localised spatial solutions. Finally, numerical solutions in two spatial dimensions confirms the onset of intricate spatio‐temporal patterns within the parameter regions identified within one spatial dimension.
Analysis of hybrid discontinuous Galerkin methods for linearized Navier–Stokes equations
Authors: Shin Dongwook , Jeon Youngmok , Park Eun‐Jae
Published: April 2022

In this article, we introduce and analyze arbitrary‐order, locally conservative hybrid discontinuous Galkerin methods for linearized Navier–Stokes equations. The unknowns of the global system are reduced to trace variables on the skeleton of a triangulation and the average of pressure on each cell via embedded static condensation. We prove that the lifting operator associated with trace variables is injective for any polynomial degree. This generalizes the result in (Y. Jeon and E.‐J. Park, Numerische Mathematik 123 [2013], no. 1, pp. 97–119), where quadratic and cubic rectangular elements are analyzed. Moreover, optimal error estimates in the energy norm are obtained by introducing nonstandard projection operators for the hybrid DG method. Several numerical results are presented to show the performance of the algorithm and to validate the theory developed in the article.
Event‐trigger‐based approximate optimal control of modular robot manipulators using zero‐sum game
Authors: Dong Bo , Chen Jingchen , Pan Qiang , An Tianjiao
Published: April 2022

An event‐triggered‐based approximate optimal control is developed for modular robot manipulators (MRMs) using zero‐sum game strategy. By utilizing the joint torque feedback method, robotic systems' dynamic model is formulated and state space equation is derived. According to event‐triggered mechanism and neural network algorithm, the tracking control issue is converted to a zero‐sum game optimal control issue. The optimal control policy and worst disturbance policy are acquired by Hamilton–Jacobi–Isaacs function respectively. The MRM system's tracking error is ultimately uniformly bounded. Finally, experiments demonstrate advantages of the method.
Curing and morphology approaches of polyurethane/poly(ethylene glycol) foam upon poly(lactic acid) addition
Authors: de Oliveira Almeida Débora Evelyn , de Albuquerque Ananda Karoline Camelo , dos Santos Silva Ingridy Dayane , Ries Andreas , Wellen Renate Maria Ramos
Published: April 2022

The effect of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) content on the curing of polyethylene glycol (PEG) based polyurethanes (PU) was investigated. Aiming to produce biobased PU foams, pentamethylene diisocyanate (PDI) was used. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) found no curing evidence at 30°C and verified that the curing was completed at 300°C. This method tracks hydrogen bonding and NCO consumption. PLA addition decreased the curing rate as evidenced through differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and promoted changes in the released heat which is linked to chemical and physical crosslinking. Complex peaks were verified in DSC scans whereas the peak at lower temperatures is related to the catalyzed curing while that in the higher ones is due to the homopolymerization. PU foams morphology was investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Pores and cell sizes are related to PLA content and hydrogen bonding.
Leveraging single‐cell sequencing to unravel intratumour heterogeneity and tumour evolution in human cancers
Authors: Bowes Amy L , Tarabichi Maxime , Pillay Nischalan , Van Loo Peter
Published: April 2022

Intratumour heterogeneity (ITH) and tumour evolution are well‐documented phenomena in human cancers. While the advent of next‐generation sequencing technologies has facilitated the large‐scale capture of genomic data, the field of single‐cell genomics is nascent but rapidly advancing and generating many new insights into the complex molecular mechanisms of tumour biology. In this review, we provide an overview of current single‐cell DNA sequencing technologies, exploring how recent methodological advancements have enumerated new insights into ITH and tumour evolution. Areas highlighted include the potential power of single‐cell genome sequencing studies to explore evolutionary dynamics contributing to tumourigenesis through to progression, metastasis, and therapy resistance. We also explore the use of in situ sequencing technologies to study ITH in a spatial context, as well as examining the use of single‐cell genomics to perform lineage tracing in both normal and malignant tissues. Finally, we consider the use of multimodal single‐cell sequencing technologies. Taken together, it is hoped that these many facets of single‐cell genome sequencing will improve our understanding of tumourigenesis, progression, and lethality in cancer, leading to the development of novel therapies. © 2022 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Manufacturing and axial compression performance of a novel composite cylindrical shell
Authors: Zhang Liwei , Zhao Qilin , Huang Yaxin , Li Fei , Gao Jiangang , Wang Yadan , Guo Chenming
Published: April 2022

It is challenging and expensive to manufacture composite cylindrical shells with characteristics such as large diameters and lengths and 0°‐fibers for applications such as bridge piers and wind power columns. In this study, a new type of cross section configuration of inner annular block and outer annular continuous fiber is proposed, and a low‐cost method is established First, the inner assembly block is pulled and extruded, and then, the outer continuous prestressed fiber is wound as the mold to apply annular compressive stress to the inner tube. Axial compression tests were carried out with Φ104 × 8 mm glass fiber‐reinforced polymer(GFRP) tubes made of pultruded standard blocks without integral forming, without external winding carbon fiber, and with an external winding layer. The results show that the mechanical properties of the pipe produced via piece‐assembling followed by winding are better than those produced via piece‐assembling without an external winding layer, which has mechanical properties similar to those of a one‐time forming member. Based on the obvious deterioration of mechanical properties, composite cylindrical shells with large diameters and lengths and 0°‐fibers can be produced at low costs.
Mediating role of emotion regulation in the relationship between schizotypy and empathy
Authors: Guo Xiao‐dong , Wang Yi , Chan Raymond C. K.
Published: April 2022

Schizotypy is a set of personality traits existing in the general population that represents vulnerability for developing psychosis. Previous studies have suggested that negative schizotypy correlates with empathy, but mixed results have been shown for positive schizotypy. The present study aimed to explore the potential mediating role of emotion regulation upon schizotypy and empathy. The valid sample consisted of 595 college students who completed the Interpersonal Reactivity Index, the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire, and the Chapman Psychosis Proneness Scales. Pearson correlations between schizotypy, emotion regulation, and empathy were performed to build potential mediating models. Structural equation modeling and bootstrap analyses were used to examine the mediation effects of emotion regulation. Our results showed that negative schizotypy was correlated with both cognitive and affective empathy whereas positive schizotypy only correlated with the Fantasy and Personal Distress subscales after multiple comparisons corrections. The Cognitive Reappraisal subscale of the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire was positively correlated with empathy whereas the Expressive Suppression subscale was negatively associated with affective empathy. More importantly, there was a significant mediating effect of cognitive reappraisal on the relationship between negative schizotypy and cognitive empathy. Our findings suggest that a higher level of negative schizotypy is associated with poorer cognitive and affective empathy, and cognitive reappraisal may mediate the effect of negative schizotypy on cognitive empathy. These findings highlight the optimal usage of cognitive reappraisal in social interactions, and may help to improve empathy, especially for individuals with a high level of negative schizotypy.
An overview of global and European photonics markets and industry
Authors: Robin Thierry , d'Humières Benoît , Cochard Jacques
Published: April 2022

The global photonics market has grown very rapidly in recent years and reached 733 billion US dollars in 2019. The European photonics industry also had a sharp increase (from € 76 B in 2015 to € 103 B in 2019), outperforming EU GDP by three times. Moreover, the global and European photonics industry has proven to be quite resilient to the effects of the Covid‐19 crisis. In fact, already present in various high‐end and next‐generation products, photonics technology has proven to be a long‐term driver of growth through its indispensable role in many current and future markets.
Dissecting weed adaptation: Fitness and trait correlations in herbicide‐resistant Alopecurus myosuroides
Authors: Comont David , MacGregor Dana R , Crook Laura , Hull Richard , Nguyen Lieselot , Freckleton Robert P , Childs Dylan Z , Neve Paul
Published: April 2022

BACKGROUND

Unravelling the genetic architecture of non‐target‐site resistance (NTSR) traits in weed populations can inform questions about the inheritance, trade‐offs and fitness costs associated with these traits. Classical quantitative genetics approaches allow study of the genetic architecture of polygenic traits even where the genetic basis of adaptation remains unknown. These approaches have the potential to overcome some of the limitations of previous studies into the genetics and fitness of NTSR.

RESULTS

Using a quantitative genetic analysis of 400 pedigreed Alopecurus myosuroides seed families from nine field‐collected populations, we found strong heritability for resistance to the acetolactate synthase and acetyl CoA carboxylase inhibitors (h2 = 0.731 and 0.938, respectively), and evidence for shared additive genetic variance for resistance to these two different herbicide modes of action, rg = 0.34 (survival), 0.38 (biomass). We find no evidence for genetic correlations between life‐history traits and herbicide resistance, indicating that resistance to these two modes of action is not associated with large fitness costs in blackgrass. We do, however, demonstrate that phenotypic variation in plant flowering characteristics is heritable, h2 = 0.213 (flower height), 0.529 (flower head number), 0.449 (time to flowering) and 0.372 (time to seed shed), demonstrating the potential for adaptation to other nonchemical management practices (e.g. mowing of flowering heads) now being adopted for blackgrass control.

CONCLUSION

These results highlight that quantitative genetics can provide important insight into the inheritance and genetic architecture of NTSR, and can be used alongside emerging molecular techniques to better understand the evolutionary and fitness landscape of herbicide resistance. © 2022 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Spatial distribution and site selection adaptation mechanism of traditional villages along the Yellow River in Shanxi and Shaanxi
Authors: Xu Yuqian , Yang Xinyi , Feng Xiaohuan , Yan Pei , Shen Yue , Li Xiaolong
Published: April 2022

Site selection adaptability of traditional villages along rivers can be summarized as the local ecological wisdom accumulated and preserved by generations of villagers. The site selection and distribution pattern of traditional villages is closely related to the river. In this research, 97 traditional villages along the Yellow River in Shanxi and Shaanxi were selected as the research objects. Kernel density analysis, Area density analysis, River buffer zone and a self‐designed river location function (RLF) were used to explore, calculate, and evaluate the spatial distribution and site selection adaptation mechanism of traditional villages along the Yellow River. Most traditional villages are located within 15 km buffer area. Villages are densely distributed in one high‐density aggregation area and one middle‐density aggregation area. The aggregation areas also represent a highest area density of river. The results of RLF show that there are six villages with a value between 1.8 and 2.2, which is consistent with the results of kernel density and river buffer zone analyses. It is concluded that site selection adaptation factors are composed of area density of river, distance from river, river width and bank form. At the same time, it is found that traditional villages are clustered on convex banks, which reflects the scientific value of ancient Chinese feng shuitheory. Our findings improve the understanding of the overall environment and pattern of traditional villages, provide a quantitative basis for the study of site selection adaptability, and offer operational technical guidance for current and future efforts for village renewal, planning, and construction.
Clinical manifestations, laboratory findings, treatment and outcome of acute organophosphate or carbamate intoxication in 39 cats
Authors: Klainbart Sigal , Grabarnik Meital , Kelmer Efrat , Chai Orit , Cuneah Olga , Segev Gilad , Aroch Itamar
Published: April 2022

Background

Organophosphates and carbamates are important sources of intoxication for humans and animals. However, large‐scale studies of these intoxications in cats are unavailable.

Methods

The medical records of 39 cats presented to a veterinary teaching hospital with acute organophosphate or carbamate intoxication were reviewed retrospectively.

Results

Mortality in intoxicated cats was 15%. Low respiratory rate and low rectal temperature at presentation were associated with death. Other common clinical signs included weakness, ataxia, apathy, recumbency, anorexia and bradycardia, but these were unassociated with the outcome. The common biochemical abnormalities included decreased serum butyryl‐choline esterase activity, acidaemia, hypercarbaemia and total hypocalcaemia, and increased creatine kinase activity and total plasma protein concentration. There were no significant differences in haematological, biochemical and blood gas analytes between survivors and non‐survivors. Common medications and treatments included 2‐pyridine aldoxime methyl‐chloride‐pralidoxime (2‐PAM) (74%), metoclopramide (64%), antibiotics (64%), diphenhydramine (59%) and atropine sulphate (54%). There were no significant drug and treatment differences between survivors and non‐survivors. The secondary complications of the intoxication included pneumonia (10%), acute kidney injury (10%) and pancreatitis (8%).

Conclusions

Acute cholinergic crisis due to organophosphate or carbamate intoxication has a fair prognosis in cats. Low respiratory rate and low rectal temperature at presentation were associated with death. The most commonly used specific medications in this study included 2‐PAM, diphenhydramine and atropine sulphate.
Bootstrapping holographic defect correlators in $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 4 super Yang-Mills
Authors: Barrat Julien , Gimenez-Grau Aleix , Liendo Pedro
Published: April 2022

Abstract

We study two-point functions of single-trace half-BPS operators in the presence of a supersymmetric Wilson line in $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 SYM. We use modern analytic bootstrap in the form of an inversion formula, that reconstructs the CFT data starting from a single discontinuity of the correlator. In the planar strong coupling limit only a finite number of conformal blocks contributes to the discontinuity, which allows us to obtain elegant closed-form expressions for two-point functions of single-trace operators $$ \mathcal{O} $$
O
J of weight J = 2, 3, 4. Our bootstrap approach guarantees that the correlator satisfies all the expected properties: it has the correct discontinuity, it satisfies the superconformal Ward identities, and it has a sensible expansion in both defect and bulk OPEs. The result is also consistent with available results coming from localization. The method is completely algorithmic and can be implemented to calculate correlators of arbitrary weight.
Generative deep learning for decision making in gas networks
Authors: Anderson Lovis , Turner Mark , Koch Thorsten
Published: April 2022

A decision support system relies on frequent re-solving of similar problem instances. While the general structure remains the same in corresponding applications, the input parameters are updated on a regular basis. We propose a generative neural network design for learning integer decision variables of mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) formulations of these problems. We utilise a deep neural network discriminator and a MILP solver as our oracle to train our generative neural network. In this article, we present the results of our design applied to the transient gas optimisation problem. The trained generative neural network produces a feasible solution in 2.5s, and when used as a warm start solution, decreases global optimal solution time by 60.5%.
Gesamtwirtschaftliche Stabilität im klimapolitischen Wandel
Authors: Koll Willi
Published: April 2022

Klimapolitik mit dem Ziel der CO2-Neutralität erfordert einen einschneidenden strukturellen Wandel. Dieser wird nur dann akzeptiert werden und gelingen, wenn er sich neben sozialer Verträglichkeit bei binnen- und außenwirtschaftlicher Stabilität vollzieht. Dafür müssen bestimmte Voraussetzungen erfüllt sein.
Wege und Irrwege der neuen Grundsteuerpläne in Deutschland
Authors: Graf Gerhard
Published: April 2022

Das bisherige Verfahren zur Grundsteuererhebung ist 2018 vom Bundesverfassungsgericht als verfassungswidrig erklärt worden. Seither haben fünf Bundesländer gestützt auf die Öffnungsklausel nach Art. 125b Grundgesetz (GG) neue Modelle für eine ausschließlich flächenbasierte Grundsteuererhebung entwickelt und bis Ende 2021 verabschiedet. Diese Modelle werden nach ihrer Verfassungskonformität evaluiert, wobei sich durchaus Unzulänglichkeiten zeigen. Eine einfache Beteiligungslösung der Kommunen an den großen Wertsteuern würde die millionenfachen Neuveranlagungen entbehrlich machen und außerdem mit nur geringfügigen Belastungsverschiebungen einhergehen.
Understanding the Perpetuation of Cyberbullying Victimization in Adolescents: The Role of Executive Functions
Authors: Morea Aida , Calvete Esther
Published: April 2022

The consequences of cyberbullying victimization can lead to its perpetuation over time, initiating a vicious cycle. Thus, it is important to identify the factors that contribute to the persistence of victimization. This study aimed to examine some longitudinal mechanisms involved in the perpetuation of cyberbullying victimization in adolescents. The secondary aim was to study the protective role of executive functions (cognitive flexibility and selective attention) in this process, filling a gap in the literature. Sex differences were also studied. The sample consisted of 698 adolescents between 12 and 17 years of age (M = 14.59, SD = 1.36; 40.83% girls) from the Basque Country (Spain). Adolescents participated in a longitudinal study with three waves, in which 5–6 months elapsed between waves. The participants completed measures of executive functions in wave 1, of cyberbullying perpetration and depressive symptoms in waves 1 and 2, and of cyberbullying victimization in all three waves. The findings indicated that cyberbullying victimization was perpetuated through an increase of cyberbullying perpetration and depressive symptoms. Concerning executive functions, cognitive flexibility attenuated the impact of cyberbullying victimization on cyberbullying perpetration and depressive symptoms, and these in turn predicted lower levels of future victimization. Sex differences revealed that selective attention acted as a risk factor for cyberbullying victimization in girls and as a protective factor in boys. The results highlight the importance of considering mediating mechanisms involved in the perpetuation of cyberbullying victimization as well as the beneficial role played by cognitive flexibility in reducing the stability of cyberbullying victimization.
Development of a Spray-Dried Formulation of Peptide-DNA Nanoparticles into a Dry Powder for Pulmonary Delivery Using Factorial Design
Authors: Munir Miftakul , Kett Vicky L. , Dunne Nicholas J. , McCarthy Helen O.
Published: April 2022

Background

Gene therapy via pulmonary delivery holds the potential to treat various lung pathologies. To date, spray drying has been the most promising method to produce inhalable powders. The present study determined the parameters required to spray dry nanoparticles (NPs) that contain the delivery peptide, termed RALA (N-WEARLARALARALARHLARALARALRACEA-C), complexed with plasmid DNA into a dry powder form designed for inhalation.

Methods

The spray drying process was optimised using full factorial design with 19 randomly ordered experiments based on the combination of four parameters and three centre points per block. Specifically, mannitol concentration, inlet temperature, spray rate, and spray frequency were varied to observe their effects on process yield, moisture content, a median of particle size distribution, Z-average, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency of DNA NPs, and DNA recovery. The impact of mannitol concentration was also examined on the spray-dried NPs and evaluated via biological functionality in vitro.

Results

The results demonstrated that mannitol concentration was the strongest variable impacting all responses apart from encapsulation efficiency. All measured responses demonstrated a strong dependency on the experimental variables. Furthermore, spray drying with the optimal variables in combination with a low mannitol concentration (1% and 3%, w/v) produced functional RALA/pDNA NPs.

Conclusion

The optimal parameters have been determined to spray dry RALA/pDNA NPs into an dry powder with excellent biological functionality, which have the potential to be used for gene therapy applications via pulmonary delivery.
A symplectic embedding of the cube with minimal sections and a question by Schlenk
Authors: Ziltener Fabian
Published: April 2022

I prove that the open unit cube can be symplectically embedded into a longer polydisc in such a way that the area of each section satisfies a sharp bound and the complement of each section is path-connected. This answers a variant of a question by F. Schlenk.
A combined index of waist circumference and muscle quality is associated with cardiovascular disease risk factor accumulation in Japanese obese patients: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Ikeue Kentaro , Kusakabe Toru , Muranaka Kazuya , Yamakage Hajime , Inoue Takayuki , Ishii Kojiro , Satoh-Asahara Noriko
Published: April 2022

Purpose

To identify obese patients at high risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) using a combined index of obesity and sarcopenia.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, we firstly conducted analysis of covariance to select each index most associated with the CVD risk score, the number of concomitant CVD risk factors, among obesity- (body mass index, percentage body fat, or waist circumference [WC]) and sarcopenia-evaluated indices (skeletal muscle mass index, handgrip strength, or muscle quality [MQ]), respectively in 188 Japanese obese patients (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2, 73 men and 115 women). Next, we conducted multivariate logistic regression analysis to compare the four groups (Group A–D) classified by medians of the selected indices.

Results

WC and MQ were selected as the indices most associated with the CVD risk scores, respectively. The CVD risk score was significantly higher in Group B (low WC and low MQ) and Group D (high WC and low MQ) with higher prevalence of diabetes as compared with Group A (low WC and high MQ). Adjusted for sex and age, odds ratios for CVD risk scores = 2 were significantly higher in Group B, Group C (high WC and high MQ), and Group D compared with Group A. Furthermore, odds ratios for CVD risk scores = 3 were significantly higher only in Group D compared with Group A (4.29 [95% confidence interval: 1.49–12.33], p = 0.007).

Conclusion

Combined index of WC and MQ was useful in Japanese obese patients at high risk of CVD, regardless sex and age.
Course Recommendation based on Sequences: An Evolutionary Search of Emerging Sequential Patterns
Authors: Al-Twijri Mohammed Ibrahim , Luna José María , Herrera Francisco , Ventura Sebastián
Published: April 2022

To provide a good study plan is key to avoid students’ failure. Academic advising based on student’s preferences, complexity of the semester, or even background knowledge is usually considered to reduce the dropout rate. This article aims to provide a good course index to recommend courses to students based on the sequence of courses already taken by each student. Hence, unlike existing long-term course planning methods, it is based on graduate students to model the course and not on external factors that might introduce some bias in the process. The proposal includes a novel sequential pattern mining algorithm, called (ES)$$^2$$2P (Evolutionary Search of Emerging Sequential Patterns), that properly identifies paths followed by good students and not followed by not so good students, as a long-term course planning approach. A major feature of the proposed (ES)$$^2$$2P algorithm is its ability to extract the bestksolutions, that is, those with a best recommendation index score instead of returning the whole set of solutions above a predefined threshold. A real study case is performed including more than 13,000 students belonging to 13 faculties to demonstrate the usefulness of the proposal not only to recommend study plans but also to give advices at different stages of the students’ learning process.
De BUSCOPAN-studie. Een gerandomiseerde non-inferioriteitsstudie van continue butylscopolamine-infusie versus placebo voor niersteenkoliek onvoldoende reagerend op non-steroïdale anti-inflammatoire medicatie
Authors: Weltings Saskia , Buddingh K. Tim , van Diepen Daniëlle C. , Pelger Rob C. M. , Putter Hein , Rad Mandana , Schout Barbara M. A. , Roshani Hossain
Published: April 2022

Samenvatting

In een placebogecontroleerde, multicenter, dubbelblind gerandomiseerde studie met 128 patiënten met bevestigde niersteenkolieken is onderzocht of placebo non-inferieur is aan continue infusie van butylscopolamine. De ene arm kreeg continue infusie van butylscopolamine, de andere arm placebo (zoutoplossing i.v.). De primaire uitkomstmaat was de hoeveelheid escapemedicatie in aantal toegediende doses. Het mediane aantal doses was in beide groepen één. Het aantal extra doses in de placebogroep was 0,05, met een 95% robuust BI van −0,38–0,47. De bovengrens van het BI bleef onder de gestelde non-inferioriteitsgrens van 0,5 (p = 0,04). Er werden geen verschillen gezien tussen de groepen in secundaire uitkomstmaten. Placebo is non-inferieur aan butylscopolamine continue infusie ter pijnstilling bij patiënten met een niersteenkoliek. Op basis van dit onderzoek en eerdere studies blijkt continue infusie van butylscopolamine iv niet van meerwaarde te zijn bij de behandeling van patiënten met een niersteenkoliek.
Multisensory Integration in Bionics: Relevance and Perspectives
Authors: Risso Gaia , Valle Giacomo
Published: April 2022

Purpose of review

The goal of the review is to highlight the growing importance of multisensory integration processes connected to bionic limbs and somatosensory feedback restoration.

Recent findings

Restoring quasi-realistic sensations by means of neurostimulation has been shown to provide functional and motor benefits in limb amputees. In the recent past, cognitive processes linked to the artificial sense of touch seemed to play a crucial role for a full prosthesis integration and acceptance.

Artificial sensory feedback implemented in bionic limbs enhances the cognitive integration of the prosthetic device in amputees. The multisensory experience can be measured and must be considered in the design of novel somatosensory neural prostheses where the goal is to provide a realistic sensory experience to the prosthetic user. The correct integration of these sensory signals will guarantee higher-level cognitive benefits as a better prosthesis embodiment and a reduction of perceived limb distortions.
Neotropical Anacardiaceae (cashew family)
Authors: Mitchell John D. , Pell Susan K. , Bachelier Julien B. , Warschefsky Emily J. , Joyce Elizabeth M. , Canadell Laura Calvillo , da Silva-Luz Cíntia Luíza , Coiffard Clement
Published: April 2022

Anacardiaceae is an ecologically and economically important plant family of about 200 species in 32 genera in the Neotropics. The family is particularly diverse in leaf architecture and fruit morphology, making it a model family to study the evolution of structural diversity as it correlates with lineage diversification. This fruit diversity is the primary reason 11 of the Neotropical genera are monotypic and that so many genera are recognized in the Anacardiaceae. The economic value of the family is driven by the global markets for cashews, mangoes, and pistachios, but there is great potential value in its medicinal properties. At least 10 Neotropical genera cause contact dermatitis, which is a rich area for research in the family. Here presented is a review of the systematics and structural diversity of the family. Particular attention is given to the morphology, economic botany, paleobotany, ecology, and taxonomy of native and naturalized genera. Keys to Neotropical Anacardiaceae subfamilies and genera are provided along with descriptions of native genera.
Cyclohexanedodecol-Assisted Interfacial Engineering for Robust and High-Performance Zinc Metal Anode
Authors: Wu Zhenzhen , Li Meng , Tian Yuhui , Chen Hao , Zhang Shao-Jian , Sun Chuang , Li Chengpeng , Kiefel Milton , Lai Chao , Lin Zhan , Zhang Shanqing
Published: April 2022

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) can be one of the most promising electrochemical energy storage devices for being non-flammable, low-cost, and sustainable. However, the challenges of AZIBs, including dendrite growth, hydrogen evolution, corrosion, and passivation of zinc anode during charging and discharging processes, must be overcome to achieve high cycling performance and stability in practical applications. In this work, we utilize a dual-functional organic additive cyclohexanedodecol (CHD) to firstly establish [Zn(H2O)5(CHD)]2+ complex ion in an aqueous Zn electrolyte and secondly build a robust protection layer on the Zn surface to overcome these dilemmas. Systematic experiments and theoretical calculations are carried out to interpret the working mechanism of CHD. At a very low concentration of 0.1 mg mL−1 CHD, long-term reversible Zn plating/stripping could be achieved up to 2200 h at 2 mA cm−2, 1000 h at 5 mA cm−2, and 650 h at 10 mA cm−2 at the fixed capacity of 1 mAh cm−2. When matched with V2O5 cathode, the resultant AZIBs full cell with the CHD-modified electrolyte presents a high capacity of 175 mAh g−1 with the capacity retention of 92% after 2000 cycles under 2 A g−1. Such a performance could enable the commercialization of AZIBs for applications in grid energy storage and industrial energy storage.
Growth of Tellurium Nanobelts on h-BN for p-type Transistors with Ultrahigh Hole Mobility
Authors: Yang Peng , Zha Jiajia , Gao Guoyun , Zheng Long , Huang Haoxin , Xia Yunpeng , Xu Songcen , Xiong Tengfei , Zhang Zhuomin , Yang Zhengbao , Chen Ye , Ki Dong-Keun , Liou Juin J. , Liao Wugang , Tan Chaoliang
Published: April 2022

The lack of stable p-type van der Waals (vdW) semiconductors with high hole mobility severely impedes the step of low-dimensional materials entering the industrial circle. Although p-type black phosphorus (bP) and tellurium (Te) have shown promising hole mobilities, the instability under ambient conditions of bP and relatively low hole mobility of Te remain as daunting issues. Here we report the growth of high-quality Te nanobelts on atomically flat hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) for high-performance p-type field-effect transistors (FETs). Importantly, the Te-based FET exhibits an ultrahigh hole mobility up to 1370 cm2 V−1 s−1 at room temperature, that may lay the foundation for the future high-performance p-type 2D FET and metal–oxide–semiconductor (p-MOS) inverter. The vdW h-BN dielectric substrate not only provides an ultra-flat surface without dangling bonds for growth of high-quality Te nanobelts, but also reduces the scattering centers at the interface between the channel material and the dielectric layer, thus resulting in the ultrahigh hole mobility "Image missing".
Vulnerability in the Context of Migration: a Critical Overview and a New Conceptual Model
Authors: Gilodi Amalia , Albert Isabelle , Nienaber Birte
Published: April 2022

The notion of “vulnerability” occupies a central role in academic literature, policymaking, humanitarian debates, and everyday discourses on migration and asylum. Its popularity has led some academics and practitioners to use “vulnerability” as a self-explanatory condition or phenomenon. However, a common and systematic understanding of the concept is still missing, and the moral and political meaning often ascribed to this notion may have (un)intended detrimental consequences for those migrants deemed vulnerable. Thus, this paper sets out to critically unpack and highlight the complexities hidden behind this notion in order to provide a conceptual analysis of vulnerability in the context of migration. We do so by (1) providing an overview of definitions of vulnerability across different fields of research, (2) identifying common conceptualizations or types of vulnerability and discussing their implications, and (3) highlighting possible negative societal and psychological consequences of its implementation in the context of migration. Finally, we propose (4) a new conceptual model for understanding vulnerability in the context of migration, showing how this notion can become a useful analytical tool in migration research.