bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Longitudinal study indicating antecedent psychosocial vulnerability as predictor of anxiety disorders post‐treatment in people with head and neck cancer
Authors: Henry Melissa , Sargi Elyonora , Frenkiel Saul , Hier Michael , Zeitouni Anthony , Kost Karen , Mlynarek Alex , Black Martin , MacDonald Christina , Richardson Keith , Chartier Gabrielle , Sadeghi Nader , Rosberger Zeev
Published: July 2021

Objective

This study aimed to: (1) determine the contribution of pre‐cancer psychosocial vulnerability as an independent predictor of anxiety disorder (AD) onset immediately post‐treatment in patients diagnosed with a first occurrence of head and neck cancer (HNC), controlling for sociodemographics and medical variables; and (2) estimate prevalence of AD and identify trajectories from the moment of diagnosis to the immediate post‐treatment (i.e., over a period of 3 months) in this population.

Methods

Two‐hundred twenty‐four consecutive patients (participation rate = 72%) newly diagnosed with a primary HNC were assessed with a structured clinical interview for a mental disorder, validated psychometric measures, and medical chart reviews.

Results

Twenty‐five percent of patients presented a lifetime AD, 19.4% within 2 weeks of HNC diagnosis, and 16.6% immediately post‐treatment; representing 26.7% of patients with AD at any timepoint from the moment of diagnosis to immediately post‐treatment. Patients were more likely to present an AD immediately post‐treatment when they: were diagnosed with advanced‐stage cancer (OR = 3.40, p = 0.006), presented a upon cancer diagnosis AD (OR = 2.45, p = 0.008) and/or experienced childhood abuse (OR = 1.96, p = 0.03).

Conclusions

Several AD trajectories may arise when patients are diagnosed with primary HNC. Health professionals should address AD and screen for risk factors (i.e., advanced stage cancer, AD upon cancer diagnosis, history of childhood abuse) as early as possible to assure optimal mental health care in this vulnerable population.
Three‐channel electrical impedance spectroscopy for field‐scale root phenotyping
Authors: Peruzzo Luca , Liu Xiuwei , Chou Chunwei , Blancaflor Elison B. , Zhao Haijun , Ma Xue‐Feng , Mary Benjamin , Iván Veronika , Weigand Maximilian , Wu Yuxin
Published: July 2021

Electrical impedance spectroscopy has long been considered a promising technique for noninvasive, in‐situ root investigation because of its sensitivity to anatomy and physiology. However, the complexity of the root system and its coupling with stem and soil have hindered the signal interpretation and methodological upscaling to field applications. This study addresses these key issues by introducing three‐channel acquisitions and their interpretation through Cole–Cole fitting. This solution could successfully decouple the impedance response of stem, roots, and soil, as well as provide convenient parametrization and comparison of their impedance signals. The methodological solution was tested on 80 wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and 10 pecan [Carya illinoensis (Wangenh.) K. Koch] plants, the first extensive and field investigation. The investigation provided evidence of (a) proximal current leakage in herbaceous root systems, extending recent laboratory results and previous indirect field studies. (b) Major role of the plant stem, which has been a substantial concern raised in numerous studies. (c) Minor contribution from the soil, addressing the doubts on the comparability of results obtained in different soil conditions. All together, these evidences lead to indirect correlations between impedance signals and root traits. The explored solution is expected to support the adoption of the impedance spectroscopy, in line with the diffusion of multichannel impedance meters and growing interest in root physiology and phenotyping.
Simulation of Heat Flow Curves of NC‐Based Propellants – Part 1: Determination of Reaction Enthalpies and Other Characteristics of the Reactions of NC and Stabilizer DPA Using Quantum Mechanical Methods
Authors: Itkis Daniel G. , Bohn Manfred A.
Published: July 2021

The heat flow curves of nitrocellulose (NC)‐based propellants are now an important assessment quantity for their quality and safety in storage and service. The measurable heat flow is the summarized effect of the rates of all the reaction heats of the reactions going on in the material. To get a detailed assessment instead the only global one requires knowing the heat flow parts caused by NC and by stabilizer reactions. For this, in turn, one needs to find the reaction enthalpies of the essential NC decomposition reactions and the stabilizer reactions at the temperature of the measurement of the heat flow. These data are not available in the literature. To get meaningful data it was necessary to use quantum mechanical calculations, here so‐called DFT (density functional theory) methods, to screen the possible reactions by transition states and the energetic situation between educts and products. For the calculation of the reaction enthalpies and the transition states, the reactants were embedded in a polarizable continuum, which simulates the NC environment for the reactants in NC and for the stabilizer reactions. In addition, to calculate bond dissociation enthalpies of NC and of nitroglycerine a type of shell model was used called ONIOM (‘Our own N‐layered Integrated molecular Orbital and molecular Mechanics’ model). The results from the determinations of reaction enthalpies are used in the second part of the publication.
Study on a Method to Determine the Transverse Impact Strength of Propellants Based on Impact Absorbing Energy
Authors: Liu Ji‐Hua , He Chang‐Hui , Zhang Rui‐Hua , Zhao Hong‐Li , Wang Qiong‐Lin
Published: July 2021

In this paper, a measurement method of the transverse impact strength of propellant based on the initial fracture impact absorbing energy in the drop weight impact test is proposed. According to the relationship between load and time, displacement was deduced. The correctness and reliability of the displacement were confirmed by comparing it with the displacement by the digital image correlation method (DIC). Combined with a high‐speed camera, the impact process image was collected, and the initial fracture point was determined by the load‐displacement curve. Then the impact absorbing energy corresponding to the initial fracture point was obtained by integrating the displacement with a load. The transverse impact strength of the propellant can be acquired based on the initial cross‐sectional area of the sample. By comparison, it is found that the coefficient of variation and dispersion degree of the measurement results by the proposed method at low and room temperature are significantly less than those by the traditional pendulum test. That is, the consistency and repeatability of the proposed method are better. The result proves the feasibility and reliability of the method based on the initial fracture impact absorbing energy to measure the transverse impact strength of propellants.
Cryptic association of B7‐2 molecules and its implication for clustering
Authors: Lankipalli Swetha , H S Mahadeva Swamy , Selvam Deepak , Samanta Dibyendu , Nair Deepak , Ramagopal Udupi A.
Published: July 2021

T‐cell co‐stimulation through CD28/CTLA4:B7‐1/B7‐2 axis is one of the extensively studied pathways that resulted in the discovery of several FDA‐approved drugs for autoimmunity and cancer. However, many aspects of the signaling mechanism remain elusive, including oligomeric association and clustering of B7‐2 on the cell surface. Here, we describe the structure of the IgV domain of B7‐2 and its cryptic association into 1D arrays that appear to represent the pre‐signaling state of B7‐2 on the cell membrane. Super‐resolution microscopy experiments on heterologous cells expressing B7‐2 and B7‐1 suggest, B7‐2 form relatively elongated and larger clusters compared to B7‐1. The sequence and structural comparison of other B7 family members, B7‐1:CTLA4 and B7‐2:CTLA‐4 complex structures, support our view that the observed B7‐2 1D zipper array is physiologically important. This observed 1D zipper‐like array also provides an explanation for its clustering, and upright orientation on the cell surface, and avoidance of spurious signaling.
Indium‐Doped Silicon for Solar Cells—Light‐Induced Degradation and Deep‐Level Traps
Authors: De Guzman Joyce Ann T. , Markevich Vladimir P. , Hawkins Ian D. , Ayedh Hussein M. , Coutinho José , Binns Jeff , Falster Robert , Abrosimov Nikolay V. , Crowe Iain F. , Halsall Matthew P. , Peaker Anthony R.
Published: July 2021

Indium‐doped silicon is considered a possible p‐type material for solar cells to avoid light‐induced degradation (LID), which occurs in cells made from boron‐doped Czochralski (Cz) silicon. Herein, the defect reactions associated with indium‐related LID are examined and a deep donor is detected, which is attributed to a negative‐U defect believed to be InsO2. In the presence of minority carriers or above bandgap light, the deep donor transforms to a shallow acceptor. An analogous transformation in boron‐doped material is related to the BsO2 defect that is a precursor of the center responsible for BO LID. The electronic properties of InsO2 are determined and compared to those of the BsO2 defect. Structures of the BsO2 and InsO2 defects in different charges states are found using first‐principles modeling. The results of the modeling can explain both the similarities and the differences between the BsO2 and InsO2 properties.
Tailoring the Surface Characteristics of CuSe Thin Films by Adjusting the Compositional Ratio
Authors: Lee Jihyeon , Kim Donghyun , Park Juyun , Oh Jin‐Woo , Kang Yong‐Cheol
Published: July 2021

Using radio frequency (RF) magnetron cosputtering, copper selenide thin films (TFs) with various ratios of Se are fabricated herein. To observe how the chemical and physical properties change based on morphology, the ratio of metallic Cu to nonmetallic Se is tuned to form multiple different compositions. The compositional percentage of the surface is determined by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Noticeable transitions of the characteristics of TFs are affected by Cu to a higher degree than Se. Larger grain sizes are observed when the Se ratio is high in Cu‐rich TFs. Most copper selenide TFs are hydrophobic and portray these characteristics the strongest when the surface Se ratio of TF is 16.62% as the contact angle with distilled water is 129°. In addition, the electrical conductivity is the highest at 2.04 (±0.13) × 107 S m−1 when the surface Se ratio is 10.95%.
Weyl Nodes Close to the Fermi Energy in NbAs
Authors: Naumann Marcel , Arnold Frank , Medvecka Zuzana , Wu Shu-Chun , Süss Vicky , Schmidt Marcus , Yan Binghai , Huber Nico , Worch Lukas , Wilde Marc A. , Felser Claudia , Sun Yan , Hassinger Elena
Published: July 2021

The noncentrosymmetric transition‐metal monopnictides NbP, TaP, NbAs, and TaAs are a family of Weyl semimetals in which pairs of protected linear crossings of spin‐resolved bands occur. These so‐called Weyl nodes are characterized by integer topological charges of opposite sign associated with singular points of Berry curvature in momentum space. In such a system, anomalous magnetoelectric responses are predicted, which should only occur if the crossing points are close to the Fermi level and enclosed by Fermi surface pockets penetrated by an integer flux of Berry curvature, dubbed Weyl pockets. TaAs is shown to possess Weyl pockets, whereas TaP and NbP have trivial pockets enclosing zero net flux of Berry curvature. Herein, via measurements of the magnetic torque, resistivity, and magnetization, a comprehensive quantum‐oscillation study of NbAs is presented, the last member of this family where the precise shape and nature of the Fermi surface pockets is still unknown. Seven distinct frequency branches, three of which have not been observed before, are detected. A comparison with density functional theory calculations suggests that the two largest pockets are topologically trivial, whereas the low frequencies might stem from tiny Weyl pockets. The enclosed Weyl nodes are within a few meV of the Fermi energy.
A data‐driven sensor fault‐tolerant control scheme based on subspace identification
Authors: Salim Mina , Ahmed Saeed , Khosrowjerdi Mohammad Javad
Published: July 2021

We study the sensor fault estimation and accommodation problems in a data‐driven setting, leading to a data‐driven sensor fault‐tolerant control scheme. First, we formulate the fault estimation problem as a finite‐horizon minimax ‐optimization problem in a data‐driven setup, whose solution yields the fault estimate. The estimated fault is then used for output compensation. This compensated output and the experimental input are used to achieve certain control objectives in a data‐driven setting. Next, the data‐driven fault estimation and control problems are solved using a subspace predictor‐based approach. Finally, the proposed algorithm is applied to the steering subsystem of the remotely operated underwater vehicle.
Multistage Adaptive Nanoparticle Overcomes Biological Barriers for Effective Chemotherapy
Authors: Wang Ying , Zhang Zhanzhan , Zheng Chunxiong , Zhao Xinzhi , Zheng Yadan , Liu Qi , Liu Yang , Shi Linqi
Published: July 2021

Drug delivery systems (DDS) are extensively studied to improve the solubility, stability, pharmacokinetic, and biodistribution of chemotherapeutics. However, the drug delivery efficiency of traditional DDS is often limited by the complicated biological barriers in vivo. Herein, a multistage adaptive nanoparticle (MAN) that simultaneously overcomes multiple biological barriers to achieve tumor‐targeted drug delivery with high efficiency is presented. MAN has a core–shell structure, in which both the core and the shell are made of responsive polymers. This structure allows MAN to present different surface properties to adapt to its surrounding biological microenvironment, thereby achieving enhanced stability in blood circulation, improved tumor accumulation and cellular internalization in tumor tissues, and effective release of drug in cells. With these unique characteristics, the MAN loaded with docetaxel achieves effective tumor suppression with reduced systemic toxicity. Furthermore, MAN can load almost any hydrophobic drugs, providing a general strategy for the tumor‐targeted delivery of hydrophobic drugs to overcome the multiple biological barriers and improve the efficacy of chemotherapy.
Molecular Coupling and Self‐Assembly Strategy toward WSe2/Carbon Micro–Nano Hierarchical Structure for Elevated Sodium‐Ion Storage
Authors: Zhang Ge , Ou Xuewu , Yang Jinghai , Tang Yongbing
Published: July 2021

Sodium (Na) ion‐based dual‐ion batteries (Na‐DIBs) have attracted great attention, owing to their benefits of low cost, high working voltage, and environmental friendliness. However, the limited capacity and low tap density of currently reported anode materials restrict the further improvement of Na‐DIBs. Herein, a micro–nano structure with vertically aligned WSe2 nanoflakes anchored tightly on a micron‐sized carbon sphere (WSe2/CS) is successfully constructed via combining the molecular coupling and self‐assembly strategy. Within this hierarchical structure, the WSe2 nanoflakes can shorten the diffusion path for Na+ ions and alleviate structural deformation during the charge/discharge process; meanwhile, the micron‐sized carbon core provides conductive support and helps improve the total tap density of the anode electrode. As a result, this micron‐sized WSe2/CS displays a high specific capacity of ≈252.8 mAh g−1 and good cycling performance with ≈92% capacity retention after 1200 cycles. Moreover, by pairing this WSe2/CS anode with environmental friendly graphite as cathode, a proof‐of‐concept Na‐DIB shows 85.6% capacity retention after 1000 cycles, which is among the best performances of previously reported Na‐DIBs.
‘V’ Shape A–D–A‐Type Designed Small Hole Conductors for Efficient Indoor and Outdoor Staging from Solid Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells and Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Prasad Jyoti , Shao Zhipeng , Machhi Hiren K. , Sharma Deep S. , Patel Vaibhav K. , Pang Shuping , Cui Guanglei , Soni Saurabh S.
Published: July 2021

With the exploration of new building blocks, a series of small organic hole transporting materials (SOHTMs) are designed and synthesized through simple microwave irradiation and systematically investigated in solid‐state dye‐sensitized solar cells (ss‐DSCs) and perovskite solar cells (PSCs). These V‐shaped SOHTMs having A–D–A architecture are endowed with low cost, better thermal stability, and good optical and electrochemical property, which respond to low indoor light and 1 sun illumination. The SOHTMs contain dibenzothiophene (DBT) and dibenzofuran (DBF) as core donors substituted with heteroaromatic molecules like naphthalene and indole, which are coded as SPH 1–SPH 4. ss‐DSCs and PSCs with SPH 4 (with LiTFSI) as SOHTMs exhibited a power conversion efficiency (PCE) amounting to 5.2% and 15.4%, respectively, under 1 sun illumination. Moreover, the applications of ss‐DSCs and PSCs in indoor environments are studied. Due to the good match with the indoor light emitting diode (LED) source, SPH 4 delivered PCEs of 26.3% (for ss‐DSCs) and 23.9 % (for PSCs) under 1800 lux illumination, which are very close to the PCE values obtained for standard hole transporting materials (HTMs) like spiro‐OMeTAD. Thus, these new SOHTMs provide the ultimate solution for the fabrication of photovoltaic devices, resulting in superior PCE under indoor light.
Synergistic Effect of Codoped Nickel Oxide Hole–Transporting Layers for Highly Efficient Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Yi Ahra , Chae Sangmin , Lee Hanbin , Lee Sung Hun , Kim Do–Hyung , Kim Hyo Jung
Published: July 2021

Inverted perovskite solar cells (PSCs), which feature an attractive structure for diverse applications such as tandem SCs or flexible devices, continue to be rapidly developed. Among various hole‐transporting layer (HTL) materials, nickel oxide (NiO
x
) is widely used as a stable and superior HTL even though it exhibits poor conductivity. Although various methods have been proposed to overcome the low conductivity of NiO
x
films, codoping methods have not been extensively studied and remain poorly understood. Herein, Li:Cu:NiO
x
is systematically investigated to explore the synergistic effect of codoping in various NiO
x
HTLs and PSCs. The optical, chemical, and morphological properties of the films are characterized and the dependence of these properties on the codoping ratio are investigated. A gradual improvement of the electrical properties and a tunable Fermi energy level resulting from the Li:Cu codopants is subsequently demonstrated. Furthermore, the structure of the perovskite films on HTLs and the synergistic effect on the preferred crystal growth behavior are elucidated. An inverted PSC with high efficiency was attained as a result of the enhanced electrical properties of the NiO
x
HTLs and the high quality of the perovskite film, which were attributed to the synergistic effect of the Li:Cu codoping method.
Importance of Fine Control of Se Flux for Improving Performances of Sb2Se3 Solar Cells Prepared by Vapor Transport Deposition
Authors: Kim Jekyung , Ji Seunghwan , Jang Yuseong , Jeong Giuk , Choi Jiwoon , Kim Daehan , Nam Sung-Wook , Shin Byungha
Published: July 2021

Sb2Se3 possesses a quasi‐1D (Q1D) structure, which creates an anisotropic charge transporting behavior in which the carrier transport is very efficient along the Q1D direction, which is beneficial for solar cells as long as the absorber is properly aligned along the preferred orientation. However, Sb2Se3 is prone to form donor‐like defects, such as VSe, that are detrimental to the performance. Therefore, both growth of Sb2Se3 along the preferred orientations and the suppression of the formation of VSe are crucial in achieving Sb2Se3 solar cells with a high efficiency. Herein, the importance of fine control of the extra supply of Se during the deposition of Sb2Se3 in controlling crystallographic orientations and the population of VSe in the Sb2Se3 films is described. This control determines the performance of the resulting solar cells in a superstrate configuration with a CdS buffer. Incorporation of Se during the growth resulted in a larger open‐circuit voltage due to the passivation of VSe. However, an excess supply of Se disrupts the favorable orientation by selenizing the top region of the CdS, and therefore degraded the short‐circuit current. Through the optimization of the extra supply of Se vapor, the power conversion efficiency is improved from 3.7% to 5.2%.
High‐Performance Upscaled Indium Tin Oxide–Free Organic Solar Cells with Visual Esthetics and Flexibility
Authors: Zhao Feng , Zuo Lijian , Li Yaokai , Zhan Lingling , Li Shuixing , Li Xin , Xia Ruoxi , Yip Hin–Lap , Chen Hongzheng
Published: July 2021

Organic solar cells (OSCs) show great promise for future applications due to their merits of low cost, flexibility, and vivid colors, etc. However, the “conventional” device architecture with a brittle and expensive glass/indium tin oxide (ITO) transparent electrode weakens these potential advantages and restricts it to small areas for high performance. Herein, a device architecture simultaneously combining the advantages of high performance, superior flexibility, diverse colors, and low‐cost upscaling production is developed. The device structure features a top‐illumination geometry with a thermally evaporated ultrathin Ag film as transparent electrode for ITO replacement. The formation of optical microcavity and high conductance of ultrathin Ag enables high performance for upscaled OSCs. Moreover, this device architecture further enables diverse colors via tuning the TeO2 layer atop of the ultrathin Ag transparent electrode. This top‐illumination structure is more tolerant for substrates and enables wider flexible substrates. As a result, the flexible OSCs with upscaled areas of 1.05 cm2 exhibit a best performance of 13.09% (certified 11.9%) with superior flexibility, diverse colors, representing one of the best ITO‐free upscaled flexible OSCs. This work provides a versatile device structure to highlight the merits of OSCs, and paves the way for the future commercialization and practical applications.
Gd3 Triangles in a Polyoxometalate Matrix: Tuning Molecular Magnetocaloric Effects in {Gd30M8} Polyoxometalate/Cluster Hybrids Through Variation of M2+
Authors: Ibrahim Masooma , Peng Yan , Moreno-Pineda Eufemio , Anson Christopher E. , Schnack Jürgen , Powell Annie K.
Published: July 2021

The syntheses and structures of a family of five new Ln/3d cluster containing polyoxometalates (POMs) [{(GeW9O34)2LnIII3(CO3)(OH2)3}6{3MII2LnIII3(μ3‐OH)6(OH2)6}4]50− {Ln30M8}, where Ln = Gd or Y, and M = Zn, Mn, Co, are presented. This structural motif of a giant tetrahedron contains {LnIII3} and {MII2LnIII3}‐cluster units which are well‐isolated within the diamagnetic polyoxotungstate system. The magnetic properties of {Gd30Mn8}, {Y30Mn8} and {Gd30Zn8} can be successfully modeled using a Heisenberg approach. Investigation of their magnetocaloric effect (MCE) reveals that this can be tuned through variation of the 3d metal ion. This is the first such systematic study on heterometallic 3d‐4f‐ POM clusters. The {Gd30Zn8} analogue illustrates a promising way forward to magnetic cooling at sub‐Kelvin temperatures.
Sub‐asymptotic motivation for new conditional multivariate extreme models
Authors: Lugrin Thomas , Tawn Jonathan A. , Davison Anthony C.
Published: July 2021

Statistical models for extreme values are generally derived from non‐degenerate probabilistic limits that can be used to approximate the distribution of events that exceed a selected high threshold. If convergence to the limit distribution is slow, then the approximation may describe observed extremes poorly, and bias can only be reduced by choosing a very high threshold at the cost of unacceptably large variance in any subsequent tail inference. An alternative is to use sub‐asymptotic extremal models, which introduce more parameters but can provide better fits for lower thresholds. We consider this problem in the context of the Heffernan–Tawn conditional tail model for multivariate extremes, which has found wide use due to its flexible handling of dependence in high‐dimensional applications. Recent extensions of this model appear to improve joint tail inference. We seek a sub‐asymptotic justification for why these extensions work and show that they can improve convergence rates by an order of magnitude for certain copulas. We also propose a class of extensions of them that may have wider value for statistical inference in multivariate extremes.
Transverse abdominal plane block in a llama undergoing midline coeliotomy
Authors: Thomson Robyn , Deutsch Julia
Published: July 2021

A 3‐year‐old llama was presented for management of bilateral ureter obstruction. A general anaesthetic was performed to allow a midline coeliotomy to be undertaken. Due to current legislation, the provision of adequate analgesia can be challenging. The transverse abdominis plane (TAP) block is a locoregional technique that can be used to provide analgesia of the ventral abdominal wall in numerous species. The TAP block was performed in this case to provide intraoperative analgesia using mepivacaine. This is the first time this technique has been described in the llama. Based on intraoperative monitoring, the TAP block appears to provide analgesia intra‐operatively. Due to the degree of damage to the ureters, the llama was euthanised under general anaesthesia, so an assessment of postoperative analgesia provided by the block could not be assessed.
Rethinking the role of law in adapting to climate change
Authors: McDonald Jan , McCormack Phillipa C.
Published: July 2021

The article evaluates the role of law in adaptation over the past decade. We track the emergence of international adaptation law within the climate and non‐climate regime, alongside increasingly dire extreme events and strident scientific consensus. Examining the growth in national and subnational laws for adaptation, we reflect on the role of framework legislation and legal mechanisms used in sectoral laws. Based on progress over the past decade, we outline how the role of law can be enhanced and accelerated in the decade ahead. We identify important trends in adaptation law and consider the potential for these innovations to drive future adaptation: the sheer growth in priority and volume of laws directed towards adaptation; the intersection of adaptation with other policy domains, especially disaster risk reduction; the need for improved architecture for funding adaptation; and the important role of strategic litigation. Largely absent from the past decade of adaptation law reform is evaluation of effectiveness, or examples of systemic reform that addresses underlying causes of vulnerability. With slow progress in implementing transformational adaptation law reform, we identify five design principles for adaptation laws. The design of laws must (1) be responsive to change; (2) address equity dimensions of climate change; (3) implement innovative solutions; (4) maximize co‐benefits; and (5) establish processes for managing trade‐offs.

This article is categorized under:

Vulnerability and Adaptation to Climate Change > Institutions for Adaptation
A method to estimate the probability of strong winds occurrence using weather radar data
Authors: Chiniforoush Navid , Latif Shabgahi Gholamreza , Azadi Majid
Published: July 2021

Weather radars are capable of detecting and displaying storm‐related turbulence as well as precipitation rate with fine spatial resolution and reliable quality. Especially, weather radars can enable the detection of atmospheric conditions in the vicinity of cities and thereby help to notify the strong winds. This article investigates the application of weather radar measurements for predicting strong wind and presents a new method for very short‐term storm prediction. In the proposed method, hidden Markov model (HMM) is used to classify atmospheric conditions to “potentially stormy” and “non‐stormy” states using the available radar data, and semi‐Markov theory is used to estimate the probability of storm occurrence with time. In fact, the probability of transition between “potentially stormy,” “non‐stormy,” and “stormy” states is modeled by a semi‐Markov model, to find the unconditional probability of storm occurrence with time. The model is implemented with the use of the data of Tehran C‐band weather radar and anemometer of Tehran international airport. Verification results show that the precision (forecast accuracy) is around 0.19 and the recall is around 0.67 in the presented classification method.
Investigation ofPM10prediction utilizing data mining techniques: Analyze by topic
Authors: Srijiranon Krittakom , Eiamkanitchat Narissara , Ramingwong Sakgasit , Cosh Kenneth , Ramingwong Lachana
Published: July 2021

Coarse particulate matter (PM10), the inhalable particles with an aerodynamic diameter smaller than 10 micrometers are one of the major air pollutions that affect human health. Over the previous decade, a number of researchers applied various data mining techniques to create a temporal prediction model. This study reviews and discusses 100 research articles in computer science and environmental science coming from the Scopus database. The three processes of data mining techniques, including data preparation, model creation, and model evaluation for prediction PM10are highlighted. A summary of the overall process directions of data mining as well as their output are revealed. Additionally, recommendations for future research are identified.

This article is categorized under:

Application Areas > Science and Technology

Technologies > Machine Learning

Technologies > Prediction
Zahnmedizinische Beschwerdebilder mit psychosozialem Hintergrund
Authors: Wolowski Anne , Schneider Hans-Joachim , Eger Thomas
Published: July 2021

Obwohl Mund und Zähne lebenslang eine zentrale Bedeutung für die Entwicklung und das Wohlbefinden eines Menschen haben, finden psychosoziale Aspekte von Krankheit und Gesundheit nur zögerlich Eingang in zahnmedizinische Erklärungsmodelle. Als interventionsbedürftige Störung wird einzig die Zahnbehandlungsangst mit Krankheitswert im Sinne einer spezifischen Phobie allgemein anerkannt. Diese beschreibt die intensive Gefühlsreaktion auf Elemente der zahnärztlichen Behandlungssituation, die für den Betroffenen Leiden verursacht und die angesichts der tatsächlichen Gefahren in der Situation übertrieben erscheint. Ansonsten besteht jedoch nach wie vor die Tendenz, Beschwerden im zahnmedizinischen Kontext eher somatisch zu erklären. Das wirkt sich auf die Erwartungshaltung Betroffener wie auch auf die interdisziplinäre Zusammenarbeit aus. Zur Verbesserung der interdisziplinären Unterstützung und des gegenseitigen Verstehens stellt der folgende Beitrag neben der Zahnbehandlungsangst und deren Folgen für die Mundgesundheit weitere Beschwerde- und Krankheitsbilder vor. Bei kraniomandibulärer Dysfunktion, Bruxismus, okklusaler Dysästhesie sowie somatoformer Prothesenunverträglichkeit können psychosoziale Aspekte in Entstehung, Verlauf und Bewältigung ebenfalls eine bedeutende Rolle spielen.
Development of elastic–plastic model of additively produced titanium for personalised endoprosthetics
Authors: Borovkov Alexey , Maslov Leonid , Tarasenko Fedor , Zhmaylo Mikhail , Maslova Irina , Solovev Dmitry
Published: July 2021

This study presents a model for Ti6Al4V alloy produced by applying electron beam melting as continuum media with orthotropic elastic and plastic properties and its application in total hip replacement (THR). The model exhibits three Young’s moduli, three shear moduli, and three Poisson’s ratios as elastic properties and six coefficients describing the Hill yield criterion. Several uniaxial tension and torsion experiments and subsequent data processing were performed to evaluate the properties and coefficients. The typical values obtained for Young’s moduli, shear moduli, and Poisson’s ratio were 121–124 MPa, 37–42 MPa, and 0.25–0.26, respectively. A comparison of the experimental tension and torsion curves with those obtained by a finite element analysis revealed a good correlation with a maximum error of 9.5%. The finite element simulation of a personalised pelvic implant for THR manufactured from the obtained material proved the mechanical capability of the implant to successfully withstand the applied loads.
Propagation of Wave Packets for Systems Presenting Codimension One Crossings
Authors: Fermanian-Kammerer Clotilde , Lasser Caroline , Robert Didier
Published: July 2021

We analyze the propagation of wave packets through general Hamiltonian systems presenting codimension one eigenvalue crossings. The class of time-dependent Hamiltonians we consider is of general pseudodifferential form with subquadratic growth. It comprises Schrödinger operators with matrix-valued potential, as they occur in quantum molecular dynamics, but also covers matrix-valued models of solid state physics describing the motion of electrons in a crystal. We calculate precisely the non-adiabatic effects of the crossing in terms of a transition operator, whose action on coherent states can be spelled out explicitly.
On a bound of Cocke and Venkataraman
Authors: Sambale Benjamin , Wellmann Philipp
Published: July 2021

Let G be a finite group with exactly k elements of largest possible order m. Let q(m) be the product of $$\gcd (m,4)$$

gcd
(
m
,
4
)

and the odd prime divisors of m. We show that $$|G|\le q(m)k^2/\varphi (m)$$

|
G
|

≤
q

(
m
)

k
2

/
φ

(
m
)

where $$\varphi $$
φ
denotes Euler’s totient function. This strengthens a recent result of Cocke and Venkataraman. As an application we classify all finite groups with $$k<36$$

k
<
36

. This is motivated by a conjecture of Thompson and unifies several partial results in the literature.
Geological and hydrogeological assessment of the Brito Formation: Municipio de Tola, Nicaragua
Authors: Adamson James K. , LaVanchy G. Thomas , Stone Brandon , Clark James A. , Dykstra Stuart J. , Taylor Matthew J.
Published: July 2021

There are sparse hydrogeological data and insufficient hydrogeological knowledge in many areas of the world reliant on groundwater. Nicaragua’s Pacific coast is one such region that is also experiencing water scarcity resulting from increasing demand on groundwater resources and climate change. The primary source of water in the region is the aquifer system associated with the Brito Formation, which is a marine sedimentary stratum of mostly sandstone that blankets 75 km of coastline in southwest Nicaragua. This study focused on the Tola municipality with the objective to advance a conceptual understanding of the hydrogeology and to support sustainable water development. Results demonstrate a heterogeneous aquifer system with regional flow characteristics and other factors that influence groundwater availability and water quality. Primary porosity is low, and secondary porosity is the primary mechanism of aquifer storage and is influenced by geological structure and diagenesis processes. Groundwater recharge is spatially and temporally heterogeneous and direct recharge is low. Infiltration of streamflow and runoff, especially early in the rainy season, is thought to be a large component of groundwater recharge. Climate, flow and recharge dynamics, and low storage capacity make the Brito Formation a sensitive resource and vulnerable to drought, increased abstraction, and climate change. This assessment provides data and insights useful for informing future studies and investments within the region and may be applicable in other Central American and Caribbean nations with coastal sandstone aquifers.
The collapse of marine forests: drastic reduction in populations of the family Sargassaceae in Madeira Island (NE Atlantic)
Authors: Bernal-Ibáñez Alejandro , Gestoso Ignacio , Wirtz Peter , Kaufmann Manfred , Serrão Ester A. , Canning-Clode João , Cacabelos Eva
Published: July 2021

Species of the genera Cystoseira, Ericaria, Gongolaria, and Sargassum (family Sargassaceae) are key components of the Mediterranean-Atlantic marine forests, essential for biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. Populations of these foundational species are particularly vulnerable to anthropogenic impacts, likely to be intensified under future scenarios of climate change. The decline and even disappearance of these species have been reported in different areas of the world. At Madeira Island (NE Atlantic), populations of Gongolaria abies-marina, Ericaria selaginoides, Sargassum vulgare, and Sargassum filipendula, the most ecologically relevant species in Macaronesian marine forests, have been suffering a drastic decline during the last decades, especially on the southern coast of the island, where anthropogenic pressure is higher than on the north coast. The lack of sufficient temporal coverage on qualitative and quantitative studies of Sargassaceae communities in Madeira poses a challenge to establish a specific period for this decline. Consulting qualitative studies and historical records, we have set for the first time a timeline that shows an evident decrease in Sargassaceae populations in the last 20 years on Madeira Island. Following this timeline, we pinpoint the start of this decline in the first decade of the 2000s. This can be particularly confirmed for places like Funchal and Reis Magos, with significantly higher historical records. Currently, most benthic communities on shallow subtidal rocky reefs along the south coast are dominated by sea urchins and crustose coralline algae, the so-called sea urchin barrens. However, in some cases, they are entirely covered by a layer of sediment. We discuss the possible factors contributing to these drastic changes, bringing Madeira’s marine forests to a dramatic decline. As many animal species rely on marine forests, the decline of Sargassaceae populations represents an invaluable ecological loss for the coastal ecosystem of the island.
Germline variants in hereditary breast cancer genes are associated with early age at diagnosis and family history in Guatemalan breast cancer
Authors: Ren Megan , Orozco Anali , Shao Kang , Albanez Anaseidy , Ortiz Jeremy , Cao Boyang , Wang Lusheng , Barreda Lilian , Alvarez Christian S. , Garland Lisa , Wu Dongjing , Chung Charles C. , Wang Jiahui , Frone Megan , Ralon Sergio , Argueta Victor , Orozco Roberto , Gharzouzi Eduardo , Dean Michael
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Mutations in hereditary breast cancer genes play an important role in the risk for cancer.

Methods

Cancer susceptibility genes were sequenced in 664 unselected breast cancer cases from Guatemala. Variants were annotated with ClinVar and VarSome.

Results

A total of 73 out of 664 subjects (11%) had a pathogenic variant in a high or moderate penetrance gene. The most frequently mutated genes were BRCA1 (37/664, 5.6%) followed by BRCA2 (15/664, 2.3%), PALB2 (5/664, 0.8%), and TP53 (5/664, 0.8%). Pathogenic variants were also detected in the moderate penetrance genes ATM, BARD1, CHEK2, and MSH6. The high ratio of BRCA1/BRCA2 mutations is due to two potential founder mutations: BRCA1 c.212 + 1G > A splice mutation (15 cases) and BRCA1 c.799delT (9 cases). Cases with pathogenic mutations had a significantly earlier age at diagnosis (45 vs 51 years, P < 0.001), are more likely to have had diagnosis before menopause, and a higher percentage had a relative with any cancer (51% vs 37%, P = 0.038) or breast cancer (33% vs 15%, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Hereditary breast cancer mutations were observed among Guatemalan women, and these women are more likely to have early age at diagnosis and family history of cancer. These data suggest the use of genetic testing in breast cancer patients and those at high risk as part of a strategy to reduce breast cancer mortality in Guatemala.
Investigating the failure to best respond in experimental games
Authors: Alempaki Despoina , Colman Andrew M. , Kölle Felix , Loomes Graham , Pulford Briony D.
Published: July 2021

We examine strategic sophistication using eight two-person 3 × 3 one-shot games. To facilitate strategic thinking, we design a ‘structured’ environment where subjects first assign subjective values to the payoff pairs and state their beliefs about their counterparts’ probable strategies, before selecting their own strategies in light of those deliberations. Our results show that a majority of strategy choices are inconsistent with the equilibrium prediction, and that only just over half of strategy choices constitute best responses to subjects’ stated beliefs. Allowing for other-regarding considerations increases best responding significantly, but the increase is rather small. We further compare patterns of strategies with those made in an ‘unstructured’ environment in which subjects are not specifically directed to think strategically. Our data suggest that structuring the pre-decision deliberation process does not affect strategic sophistication.
Salivary gland proteins alterations in the diabetic milieu
Authors: Fouani Malak , Basset Charbel A. , Jurjus Abdo R. , Leone Lavinia Giovanna , Tomasello Giovanni , Leone Angelo
Published: July 2021

Salivary glands are considered the chief exocrine glands of the mouth and physiologically contribute to the maintenance of the homeostasis of the oral cavity. They consist of the parotid, submandibular and sublingual glands, which come in pairs and are collectively called the major glands, and the minor glands, which are much smaller and are dispersed throughout the buccal cavity. Salivary glands are distinguished by their size, amount of saliva secretion and their location in the oral cavity. Salivary glands pathophysiology has been a subject of interest in various worldwide metabolic disorders, including diabetes mellitus. Diabetes mellitus (DM), a global health concern, with a pathological imprint involved in vasculature, promotes microvascular and macrovascular complications among which periodontitis ranks sixth. Indeed, DM has also been directly associated with oral health lesions. Specifically, salivary glands in the context of diabetes have been a focal point of study and emphasis in the research field. There is evidence that relates salivary secretion content and diabetes progression. In this review, we present all the reported evidence of the deregulation of specific salivary proteins associated with the progression of diabetes in parallel with changes in salivary gland morphology, cellular architecture, and salivary secretion and composition more generally.
Reverberation in Tidal Disruption Events: Dust Echoes, Coronal Emission Lines, Multi-wavelength Cross-correlations, and QPOs
Authors: van Velzen Sjoert , Pasham Dheeraj R. , Komossa Stefanie , Yan Lin , Kara Erin A.
Published: July 2021

Stellar tidal disruption events (TDEs) are typically discovered by transient emission due to accretion or shocks of the stellar debris. Yet this luminous flare can be reprocessed by gas or dust that inhabits a galactic nucleus, resulting in multiple reverberation signals. Nuclear dust heated by the TDE will lead to an echo at infrared wavelengths (1-10 μm) and transient coronal lines in optical spectra of TDEs trace reverberation by gas that orbits the black hole. Both of these signal have been detected, here we review this rapidly developing field. We also review the results that have been extracted from TDEs with high-quality X-ray light curves: quasi periodic oscillations (QPOs), reverberation lags of fluorescence lines, and cross-correlations with emission at other wavelengths. The observational techniques that are covered in this review probe the emission from TDEs over a wide range of scales: from $\sim 1$
∼
1
 light year to the innermost parts of the newly formed accretion disk. They provide insights into important properties of TDEs such as their bolometric output and the geometry of the accretion flow. While reverberation signals are not detected for every TDE, we anticipate they will become more commonplace when the next generation of X-ray and infrared instruments become operational.
Space curves, X-ranks and cuspidal projections
Authors: Ballico Edoardo
Published: July 2021

Let $$X\subset \mathbb {P}^3$$

X
⊂

P

3

be an integral and non-degenerate curve. We say that $$q\in \mathbb {P}^3\setminus X$$

q
∈

P

3

\
X

has X-rank 3 if there is no line $$L\subset \mathbb {P}^3$$

L
⊂

P

3

such that $$q\in L$$

q
∈
L

and $$\#(L\cap X)\ge 2$$

#
(
L
∩
X
)
≥
2

. We prove that for all hyperelliptic curves of genus $$g\ge 5$$

g
≥
5

there is a degree $$g+3$$

g
+
3

embedding $$X\subset \mathbb {P}^3$$

X
⊂

P

3

with exactly $$2g+2$$

2
g
+
2

points with X-rank 3 and another embedding without points with X-rank 3 but with exactly $$2g+2$$

2
g
+
2

points $$q\in \mathbb {P}^3$$

q
∈

P

3

such that there is a unique pair of points of X spanning a line containing q. We also prove the non-existence of points of X-rank 3 for general curves of bidegree (a, b) in a smooth quadric (except in known exceptional cases) and we give lower bounds for the number of pairs of points of X spanning a line containing a fixed $$q\in \mathbb {P}^3\setminus X$$

q
∈

P

3

\
X

. For all integers $$g\ge 5$$

g
≥
5

, $$x\ge 0$$

x
≥
0

we prove the existence of a nodal hyperelliptic curve X with geometric genus g, exactly x nodes, $$\deg (X) = x+g+3$$

deg
(
X
)
=
x
+
g
+
3

and having at least $$x+2g+2$$

x
+
2
g
+
2

points of X-rank 3.
Integration of Highly Skilled Migrants in the Workplace: a Multi-level Framework
Authors: van Riemsdijk Micheline , Basford Scott
Published: July 2021

This article combines literatures on immigrant integration and migration intermediaries to add askilledperspective to theories of immigrant integration. Using a case study of foreign-born engineers in the Norwegian oil and gas industry, we develop a multi-level conceptual framework of actors that are involved in the integration of foreign-born engineers. We identified integration actors through in-depth, semi-structured interviews with human resource managers, foreign-born workers, and other integration actors. The framework is intended as a tool to move beyond single-level, unidirectional studies of immigrant integration and to provide a more in-depth understanding of the integration of highly skilled migrants in the workplace. We find that state actors fail to assist with the long-term integration for highly skilled migrants. Instead, private and voluntary actors provide information about work regulations and working life. In addition, employers and coworkers play an important role in the integration of highly skilled migrants in the workplace. We also find that highly skilled migrants can be agents of integration as they “scale up” initiatives to higher levels of decision-making.