bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Schwarzian sector of higher spin CFTs
Authors: Datta Shouvik
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Two-dimensional conformal field theories with Virasoro symmetry generically contain a Schwarzian sector. This sector is related to the near-horizon region of the near-extremal BTZ black hole in the holographic dual. In this work we generalize this picture to CFTs with higher spin conserved currents. It is shown that the partition function in the near-extremal limit agrees with that of BF higher spin gravity in AdS2which is described by a generalized Schwarzian theory. We also provide a spectral decomposition of Schwarzian partition functions via the$$ {\mathcal{W}}_N $$WNfusion kernel and consider supersymmetric generalizations.
Electromagnetic duality and D3-brane scattering amplitudes beyond leading order
Authors: Elvang Henriette , Hadjiantonis Marios , Jones Callum R. T. , Paranjape Shruti
Published: April 2021

Abstract

We use on-shell methods to study the non-supersymmetric and supersymmetric low-energy S-matrix on a probe D3-brane, including both the 1-loop contributions of massless states as well as the effects of higher-derivative operators. Our results include: (1) A derivation of the duality invariance of Born-Infeld electrodynamics as the dimensional oxidation of the group of spatial rotations transverse to a probe M2-brane; this is done using a novel implementation of subtracted on-shell recursion. (2) The first explicit loop-level BCJ double-copy in a non-gravitational model, namely the calculation of the 4-point self-dual amplitude of non-supersymmetric Born-Infeld. (3) From previous results for n-point self-dual 1-loop BI amplitudes and the conjectured dimension-shifting relations in Yang-Mills, we obtain an explicit all-multiplicity, at all orders in E, expression for the 1-loop integrand of the MHV sector of $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 DBI. (4) For all n > 4, the explicitly integrated duality-violating 1-loop amplitudes (self-dual and next-to-self-dual in pure BI as well as MHV in $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 DBI) are shown to be removable at $$ \mathcal{O}\left({\upepsilon}^0\right) $$
O

ϵ
0

by adding finite local counterterms; we propose that this may be true more generally at 1-loop order. (5) We find that in non-supersymmetric Born-Infeld, not all finite local counterterms needed to restore electromagnetic duality can be constructed using the double-copy with higher-derivative corrections, suggesting a fundamental tension between electromagnetic duality and color-kinematics duality at loop-level. Finally we comment on oxidation of duality symmetries in supergravity and the parallels it has to the M2-brane to D3-brane oxidation demonstrated in this paper.
Prognostic Value of Apparent Diffusion Coefficient in Oropharyngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Sistonen Heli J. , Aro Katri , Atula Timo , Jouhi Lauri , Lindén Riikka , Tapiovaara Laura , Loimu Venla , Markkola Antti
Published: April 2021

Purpose

To investigate clinical and radiological factors predicting worse outcome after (chemo)radiotherapy ([C]RT) in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) with a focus on apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC).

Methods

This retrospective study included 67 OPSCC patients, treated with (C)RT with curative intent and diagnosed during 2013–2017. Human papilloma virus (HPV) association was detected with p16 immunohistochemistry. Of all 67 tumors, 55 were p16 positive, 9 were p16 negative, and in 3 the p16 status was unknown. Median follow-up time was 38 months. We analyzed pretreatment magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for factors predicting disease-free survival (DFS) and locoregional recurrence (LRR), including primary tumor volume and the largest metastasis. Crude and p16-adjusted hazard ratios were analyzed using Cox proportional hazards model. Interobserver agreement was evaluated.

Results

Disease recurred in 13 (19.4%) patients. High ADC predicted poor DFS, but not when the analysis was adjusted for p16. A break in RT (hazard ratio, HR = 3.972, 95% confidence interval, CI 1.445–10.917, p = 0.007) and larger metastasis volume (HR = 1.041, 95% CI 1.007–1.077, p = 0.019) were associated with worse DFS. A primary tumor larger than 7 cm3 was associated with increased LRR rate (HR = 4.861, 1.042–22.667, p = 0.044). Among p16-positive tumors, mean ADC was lower in grade 3 tumors compared to lower grade tumors (0.736 vs. 0.883; p = 0.003).

Conclusion

Low tumor ADC seems to be related to p16 positivity and therefore should not be used independently to evaluate disease prognosis or to choose patients for treatment deintensification.
Simulated and experimental analysis of laser beam energy profiles to improve efficiency in wire-fed laser deposition
Authors: Goffin Nicholas , Tyrer John R. , Jones Lewis C. R. , Higginson Rebecca L.
Published: April 2021

Laser cladding is a well-established technique, with the majority of prior numerical modelling work focused on delivery and melt pool behaviour of powder-based processes. This research presents new investigations into optimised laser beam shaping for the unique characteristics of wire-based processes, where direct substrate heating, as well as heat transfer between the wire and substrate, is important. The value of this subject is the improved deposition rates and dense metallic structures that can be achieved by wire-based deposition processes compared to powder-based material delivery. The within-wire temperature distribution (AISI 316 stainless steel), the heat transfer and direct heating of the substrate (mild steel) are modelled via heat transfer simulations, with three laser beam irradiance distributions. This analysis identified the removal of localised high-temperature regions typically associated to standard Gaussian distributions, and the improved substrate heating that a uniform square beam profile can provide. Experiments using pre-placed wire and a 1.2 kW CO2 laser were analysed using cross-sectional optical microscopy to provide model validation and evidence of improved wire-substrate wetting, while maintaining favourable austenitic metallurgy in the clad material. A key finding of this work is a reduction, from 480 to 190 W/mm2, in the required irradiance for effective melt pool formation when changing from a Gaussian distribution to a uniform square distribution. This also provided a 50% reduction in total energy. The potential improvements to energy efficiency, cost reductions and sustainability improvements are recognised and discussed.
Crackling noise and avalanches in minerals
Authors: Salje Ekhard K. H. , Jiang Xiang
Published: April 2021

The non-smooth, jerky movements of microstructures under external forcing in minerals are explained by avalanche theory in this review. External stress or internal deformations by impurities and electric fields modify microstructures by typical pattern formations. Very common are the collapse of holes, the movement of twin boundaries and the crushing of biominerals. These three cases are used to demonstrate that they follow very similar time dependences, as predicted by avalanche theories. The experimental observation method described in this review is the acoustic emission spectroscopy (AE) although other methods are referenced. The overarching properties in these studies is that the probability to observe an avalanche jerk J is a power law distributed P(J) ~ J−ε where ε is the energy exponent (in simple mean field theory: ε = 1.33 or ε = 1.66). This power law implies that the dynamic pattern formation covers a large range (several decades) of energies, lengths and times. Other scaling properties are briefly discussed. The generated patterns have high fractal dimensions and display great complexity.
One hundred years of phase polymorphism research in locusts
Authors: Pflüger Hans-Joachim , Bräunig Peter
Published: April 2021

One hundred years ago in 1921, Sir Boris Uvarov recognized that two locust species are one species but appearing in two different phases, a solitarious and a gregarious phase. As locust swarms are still a big problem affecting millions of people, basic research has tried to understand the causes for the transition between phases. This phenomenon of phase polymorphism, now called polyphenism, is a very complex multifactorial process and this short review will draw attention to this important aspect of insect research.
Acute stress reveals different impacts in male and female Zdhhc7-deficient mice
Authors: Kerkenberg Nicole , Hohoff Christa , Zhang Mingyue , Lang Ilona , Schettler Christiane , Ponimaskin Evgeni , Wachsmuth Lydia , Faber Cornelius , Baune Bernhard T. , Zhang Weiqi
Published: April 2021

Numerous processes of neuronal development and synaptic plasticity in the brain rely on the palmitoyl acyltransferase ZDHHC7, as it palmitoylates various synaptic and extrasynaptic proteins such as neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) or gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABAA) receptors. In addition, ZDHHC7 palmitoylates sex steroid hormone receptors and is, therefore, indirectly linked to mental disorders that often occur because of or in conjunction with stress. In this work, we investigated how ZDHHC7 affects stress responses in mice. For this purpose, genetically modified mice with a knockout of the Zdhhc7 gene (KO) and wild-type (WT) littermates of both sexes were exposed to acute stressors or control conditions and examined with regard to their behavior, brain microstructure, gene expression, and synaptic plasticity. While no behavioral effects of acute stress were found, we did find that acute stress caused reduced mRNA levels of Esr1 and Esr2 coding for estrogen receptor α and β in the medial prefrontal cortex of male WT and KO mice. Strikingly, after acute stress only male KO mice showed reduced mean fiber lengths of the medioventral hippocampus. Furthermore, Zdhhc7-deficiency impaired synaptic plasticity in mice of both sexes, while acute stress improved it in females, but not in male mice. Taken together, our findings suggest that ZDHHC7 plays a modulatory role in the brain that leads to sex-specific stress responses, possibly due to estrogen receptor-mediated signaling pathways.
Dilated causal convolution with multi-head self attention for sensor human activity recognition
Authors: Hamad Rebeen Ali , Kimura Masashi , Yang Longzhi , Woo Wai Lok , Wei Bo
Published: April 2021

Systems of sensor human
activity recognition are becoming increasingly popular in diverse fields such as healthcare and security. Yet, developing such systems poses inherent challenges due to the variations and complexity of human behaviors during the performance of physical activities. Recurrent neural networks, particularly long short-term memory have achieved promising results on numerous sequential learning problems, including sensor human activity recognition. However, parallelization is inhibited in recurrent networks due to sequential operation and computation that lead to slow training, occupying more memory and hard convergence. One-dimensional convolutional neural network processes input temporal sequential batches independently that lead to effectively executed operations in parallel. Despite that, a one-dimensional Convolutional Neural Network is not sensitive to the order of the time steps which is crucial for accurate and robust systems of sensor human activity recognition. To address this problem, we propose a network architecture based on dilated causal convolution and multi-head self-attention mechanisms that entirely dispense recurrent architectures to make efficient computation and maintain the ordering of the time steps. The proposed method is evaluated for human activities using smart home binary sensors data and wearable sensor data. Results of conducted extensive experiments on eight public and benchmark HAR data sets show that the proposed network outperforms the state-of-the-art models based on recurrent settings and temporal models.
External validity in a multicenter randomized clinical trial of proximal humeral fractures: the DelPhi trial
Authors: Tallay Elias , Lindberg Sondre K. , Lee-Ødegård Sindre , Bjordal Jonas , Fraser Alexander N. , Madsen Jan Erik , Fjalestad Tore
Published: April 2021

Background

Randomized controlled trials (RCT) are regarded as the gold standard for effect evaluation in clinical interventions. However, RCTs may not produce relevant results to all patient groups. We aimed to assess the external validity of a multicenter RCT (DelPhi trial).

Methods

The DelPhi RCT investigated whether elderly patients with displaced proximal humeral fractures (PHFs) receiving reversed total shoulder prosthetic replacement (RTSA) gained better functional outcomes compared to open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) using an proximal humerus locking plate (PHILOS). Eligible patients were between 65 and 85 years old with severely displaced 11-B2 or 11-C2 fractures (AO/OTA-classification, 2007). We compared baseline and follow-up data of patients for two of the seven hospitals that were included in the DelPhi trial (n = 54) with non-included patients (n = 69). Comparisons were made based on reviewing medical records regarding demographic, health and fracture parameters.

Results

Forty-four percent of the eligible patients were included in the DelPhi trial. Comparing included and non-included patients indicated higher incidences of serious heart disease (P = 0.044) and a tendency toward higher tobacco intake (P = 0.067) in non-included patients. Furthermore, non-included patients were older (P = 0.040) and had higher ASA classification (P < 0.001) and were in more need for resident aid (in-home assistance) (P = 0.022) than included patients. The cause of PHF was more frequently related to fall indoors in non-included vs. included patients (P = 0.018) and non-included patients were more prone to other concomitant fractures (P = 0.004). Having concomitant fractures was associated with osteoporosis (P = 0.014). We observed no significant differences in rates of complications or deaths between included and non-included patients within 3 months after treatment. In descending order, non-included patients were treated conservatively, with PHILOS, RTSA, anatomic hemi-prothesis or an alternative type of ORIF. RTSA was the preferred treatment choice for C2-type fractures (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Results from the DelPhi RCT may not directly apply to older PHFs patients with lower health status or concomitant fractures.

Level of evidence

Level 4.
Numerische Prozessauslegung zur gezielten Eigenspannungseinstellung in warmmassivumgeformten Bauteilen unter Berücksichtigung von Makro- und Mikroskala
Authors: Behrens Bernd-Arno , Schröder Jörg , Brands Dominik , Brunotte Kai , Wester Hendrik , Scheunemann Lisa , Uebing Sonja , Kock Christoph
Published: April 2021

Ziel dieser Arbeit ist die Einstellung eines vorteilhaften Druckeigenspannungsprofils in warmumgeformten Bauteilen durch intelligente Prozessführung mit angepasster Abkühlung aus der Schmiedewärme. Die Machbarkeit und das Potenzial werden an einem Warmumformprozess, bei dem zylindrische Proben mit exzentrischer Bohrung bei 1000 °C umgeformt und anschließend aus der Schmiedewärme im Wasser abgekühlt werden, aufgezeigt. Vorige Arbeiten zeigen, dass sich Zugeigenspannungen in den derartig umgeformten Proben aus dem Material 1.3505 einstellen. Mittels der vorgestellten mehrskaligen FE-Modelle, wird in dieser Arbeit eine alternative Prozessvariante analysiert, mit der vorteilhafte Druckeigenspannungen anstelle von Zugeigenspannungen durch eine angepasste Abkühlung aus der Umformwärme in den Proben erzeugt werden können. Die angepasste Kühlung wird durch eine partielle Beaufschlagung der Proben mit einem Wasser-Luft-Spray erreicht. Auf diese Weise kann die lokale Plastifizierung durch inhomogene Verzerrungen aufgrund thermischer und umwandlungsinduzierter Effekte beeinflusst werden, um letztlich das Eigenspannungsprofil individuell zu gestalten. Die wissenschaftliche Herausforderung dieser Arbeit besteht darin, unterschiedliche Eigenspannungen in der Oberfläche der Proben zu erzeugen, während die geometrischen und mikrostrukturellen Eigenschaften gleichbleiben. Es wird nachgewiesen, dass eine Beeinflussung der Eigenspannungen und sogar die Umkehr des Spannungsvorzeichens allein durch eine geschickte Prozessführung beim Abkühlen möglich ist.
Removing barriers for digital health through organizing ambidexterity in hospitals
Authors: Gleiss Alexander , Lewandowski Stefanie
Published: April 2021

Aim

Hospitals noticeably struggle with maintaining hundreds of IT systems and applications in compliance with the latest IT standards and regulations. Thus, hospitals search for efficient opportunities to discover and integrate useful digital health innovations into their existing IT landscapes. In addition, although a multitude of digital innovations from digital health startups enter the market, numerous barriers impede their successful implementation and adoption. Against this background, the aim of this study was to explore typical digital innovation barriers in hospitals, and to assess how a hospital data management platform (HDMP) architecture might help hospitals to extract such innovative capabilities.

Subject and methods

Based on the concept of organizational ambidexterity (OA), we pursued a qualitative mixed-methods approach. First, we explored and consolidated innovation barriers through a systematic literature review, interviews with 20 startup representatives, and a focus group interview with a hospital IT team and the CEO of an HDMP provider. Finally, we conducted a case-study analysis of 36 digital health startups to explore and conceptualize the potential impact of DI and apply the morphological method to synthesize our findings from a multi-level perspective.

Results

We first provide a systematic and conceptual overview of typical barriers for digital innovation in hospitals. Hereupon, we explain how an HDMP might enable hospitals to mitigate such barriers and extract value from digital innovations at both individual and organizational level.

Conclusion

Our results imply that an HDMP can help hospitals to approach organizational ambidexterity through integrating and maintaining hundreds of systems and applications, which allows for a structured and controlled integration of external digital innovations.
The Impact of Atmosphere–Ocean–Wave Coupling on the Near-Surface Wind Speed in Forecasts of Extratropical Cyclones
Authors: Gentile Emanuele S. , Gray Suzanne L. , Barlow Janet F. , Lewis Huw W. , Edwards John M.
Published: April 2021

Accurate modelling of air–sea surface exchanges is crucial for reliable extreme surface wind-speed forecasts. While atmosphere-only weather forecast models represent ocean and wave effects through sea-state independent parametrizations, coupled multi-model systems capture sea-state dynamics by integrating feedbacks between the atmosphere, ocean and wave model components. Here, we investigate the sensitivity of extreme surface wind speeds to air–sea exchanges at the kilometre scale using coupled and uncoupled configurations of the Met Office’s UK Regional Coupled Environmental Prediction system. The case period includes the passage of extra-tropical cyclones Helen, Ali, and Bronagh, which brought maximum gusts of 36 m s$$^{-1}$$

-
1

over the UK. Compared with the atmosphere-only results, coupling to the ocean decreases the domain-average sea-surface temperature by up to 0.5 K. Inclusion of coupling to waves reduce the 98th percentile 10-m wind speed by up to 2 m s$$^{-1}$$

-
1

as young, growing wind waves reduce the wind speed by increasing the sea-surface aerodynamic roughness. Impacts on gusts are more modest, with local reductions of up to 1 m s$$^{-1}$$

-
1

, due to enhanced boundary-layer turbulence which partially offsets air–sea momentum transfer. Using a new drag parametrization based on the Coupled Ocean–Atmosphere Response Experiment 4.0 parametrization, with a cap on the neutral drag coefficient and reduction for wind speeds exceeding 27 m s$$^{-1}$$

-
1

, the atmosphere-only model achieves equivalent impacts on 10-m wind speeds and gusts as from coupling to waves. Overall, the new drag parametrization achieves the same 20% improvement in forecast 10-m wind-speed skill as coupling to waves, with the advantage of saving the computational cost of the ocean and wave models.
Single-center thorough evaluation and targeted treatment of globozoospermic men
Authors: Cheung Stephanie , Parrella Alessandra , Tavares Danielle , Keating Derek , Xie Philip , Rosenwaks Zev , Palermo Gianpiero D.
Published: April 2021

Purpose

To characterize, by specific biomarkers and nucleic acid sequencing, the structural and genomic sperm characteristics of partial (PG) and complete globozoospermic (CG) men in order to identify the best reproductive treatment.

Methods

We assessed spermatozoa from 14 consenting men ultrastructurally, as well as for histone content, sperm chromatin integrity, and sperm aneuploidy. Additional genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic evaluations were carried out to further characterize the CG cohort. The presence of oocyte-activating sperm cytosolic factor (OASCF) was measured by a phospholipase C zeta (PLCζ) immunofluorescence assay. Couples were treated in subsequent cycles either by conventional ICSI or by ICSI with assisted gamete treatment (AGT) using calcium ionophore (Ionomycin, 19657, Sigma-Aldrich, Saint Louis, MO, USA).

Results

Ultrastructural assessment confirmed complete acrosome deficiency in all spermatozoa from CG men. Histone content, sperm chromatin integrity, and sperm aneuploidy did not differ significantly between the PG (n = 4) and CG (n = 10) cohorts. PLCζ assessment indicated a positive presence of OASCF in 4 PG couples, who underwent subsequent ICSI cycles that yielded a 36.1% (43/119) fertilization with a 50% (2/4) clinical pregnancy and delivery rate. PLCζ assessment failed to detect OASCF for 8 CG patients who underwent 9 subsequent ICSI cycles with AGT, yielding a remarkable improvement of fertilization (39/97; 40.2%) (P = 0.00001). Embryo implantation (6/21; 28.6%) and clinical pregnancies (5/7; 71.4%) were also enhanced, resulting in 4 deliveries. Gene mutations (DPY19L2, SPATA16, PICK1) were identified in spermatozoa from CG patients. Additionally, CG patients unable to sustain a term pregnancy had gene mutations involved in zygote development (NLRP5) and postnatal development (BSX). CG patients who successfully sustained a pregnancy had a mutation (PIWIL1) related to sperm phenotype. PLCZ1 was both mutated and underexpressed in these CG patients, regardless of reproductive outcome.

Conclusions

Sperm bioassays and genomic studies can be used to characterize this gamete’s capacity to support embryonic development and to tailor treatments maximizing reproductive outcome.
A piecewise deterministic Monte Carlo method for diffusion bridges
Authors: Bierkens Joris , Grazzi Sebastiano , van der Meulen Frank , Schauer Moritz
Published: April 2021

We introduce the use of the Zig-Zag sampler to the problem of sampling conditional diffusion processes (diffusion bridges). The Zig-Zag sampler is a rejection-free sampling scheme based on a non-reversible continuous piecewise deterministic Markov process. Similar to the Lévy–Ciesielski construction of a Brownian motion, we expand the diffusion path in a truncated Faber–Schauder basis. The coefficients within the basis are sampled using a Zig-Zag sampler. A key innovation is the use of thefully localalgorithm for the Zig-Zag sampler that allows to exploit the sparsity structure implied by the dependency graph of the coefficients and by thesubsamplingtechnique to reduce the complexity of the algorithm. We illustrate the performance of the proposed methods in a number of examples.
Actisil application affects growth, flowering, and biochemical parameters in petunia in vitro and greenhouse
Authors: Krupa-Małkiewicz Marcelina , Calomme Mario
Published: April 2021

Mineral nutrients are necessary for the growth and development of plants. Previous studies have concentrated mainly on silicon-accumulating plants, while less work has been conducted on non-accumulating plants such as Petunia × atkinsiana D. Don. In this study, we investigated the responses of morphological (plant height, root length, fresh and dry weight, no. of flowers) and biochemical (proline, malondialdehyde MDA, catalase CAT activity, total chlorophylls, carotenoids, total polyphenol, and NO3) traits of petunia to external application of commercial silicon solution (Hydroplus™ Actisil) after 5 weeks of in vitro culture and 6 weeks under greenhouse condition. Actisil was supplemented into the MS medium (in vitro) at concentrations of 0 (control), 50, 100, 200, and 500 mg L−1, or supplied via irrigations at a concentration of 0 (control) and 200 mg L−1 in one, two, and three applications under greenhouse conditions. The addition of silicon to the MS medium decreased plant height (22–41% of control) and root length (53–70% of control). In contrast, in greenhouse-grown petunia irrigation of silicon increased plant height (145% of control ) and root length (176% of control). Petunias treated with Actisil had greener leaves compared to the control. This was also confirmed by higher concentrations of chlorophyll. Conversely, increased concentrations of proline, MDA, and total polyphenol and higher CAT activities may indicate that silicon provokes a stress response of the in vitro plants. Actisil treatment in the concentration of 200 mg L−1 was found to positively affect the growth and flowering of the greenhouse-grown petunia.
Present and potential future critical source areas of nonpoint source pollution: a case of the Nakdong River watershed, South Korea
Authors: Seo Mijin , Heo Joonghyeok , Kim Yongseok
Published: April 2021

Identifying critical source areas (CSAs) is the first step to effectively managing nonpoint source (NPS) pollution. Increasing variability in climate can affect identification of CSAs. In this study, we identified present and future CSAs of NPS pollution in the Nakdong River watershed and examined how climate change will influence the identification of CSAs. Nine NPS pollution-related factors affecting the watershed environment and water quality were considered. These factors were rescaled through a min-max normalization to propose an index system that ranks basins based on the sensitivity of basins to climate change on identifying CSAs. For analyses, past rainfall was replaced with future rainfall under two RCP scenarios, RCP 2.6 and RCP 8.5. Results showed insignificant differences in the spatial distribution of CSAs between the present and the future and between the future scenarios. Basins that are on or adjacent to the Nakdong River mainstream were mainly identified as CSAs, in addition to many basins of the Geumho and Nam rivers. Highly ranked CSAs including the level 1 CSAs, were mainly distributed in the mid- and downstream areas of the Nakdong River, indicating high need of NPS pollution management. This study can provide a foundation for the effective management of NPS pollution in the present and the future.
COVID-19 and municipal solid waste (MSW) management: a review
Authors: Das Atanu Kumar , Islam Md. Nazrul , Billah Md. Morsaline , Sarker Asim
Published: April 2021

Municipal solid waste (MSW) represents an inevitable by-product of human activity and a major crisis for communities across the globe. In recent times, the recycling of MSW has drawn attention as the process can add value through resources from the recovered waste materials and facilitates the process of circular economy. However, during the unprecedented coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, the risk of infection with the highly contagious virus has proven detrimental to the continuation of MSW as a valuable resource. The volume of waste, especially household waste, is higher; face masks, PPE (personal protective equipment), and hazardous materials such as batteries and empty chlorine bottles are examples of extra waste that have arisen during the pandemic. Various countries have set up initiatives for MSW management, including safety measurements for employees in the MSW management sector. The use of disinfectant prior to sorting waste, as well as storing waste for 9 days, may help to inactivate the COVID-19 virus, ensuring an appropriate safety level for MSW management. This work aimed at studying different MSW management strategies, specific challenges, and possible solutions for better understanding for those involved in waste management, in addition to providing a possible management strategy during and post-COVID-19 pandemic.

Graphical abstract
Ageing affects subtelomeric DNA methylation in blood cells from a large European population enrolled in the MARK-AGE study
Authors: Bacalini Maria Giulia , Reale Anna , Malavolta Marco , Ciccarone Fabio , Moreno-Villanueva María , Dollé Martijn E. T. , Jansen Eugène , Grune Tilman , Gonos Efstathios S. , Schön Christiane , Bernhardt Jürgen , Grubeck-Loebenstein Beatrix , Sikora Ewa , Toussaint Olivier , Debacq-Chainiaux Florence , Capri Miriam , Hervonen Antti , Hurme Mikko , Slagboom P. Eline , Breusing Nicolle , Aversano Valentina , Tagliatesta Stefano , Franceschi Claudio , Blasco Maria A. , Bürkle Alexander , Caiafa Paola , Zampieri Michele
Published: April 2021

Ageing leaves characteristic traces in the DNA methylation make-up of the genome. However, the importance of DNA methylation in ageing remains unclear. The study of subtelomeric regions could give promising insights into this issue. Previously reported associations between susceptibility to age-related diseases and epigenetic instability at subtelomeres suggest that the DNA methylation profile of subtelomeres undergoes remodelling during ageing. In the present work, this hypothesis has been tested in the context of the European large-scale project MARK-AGE. In this cross-sectional study, we profiled the DNA methylation of chromosomes 5 and 21 subtelomeres, in more than 2000 age-stratified women and men recruited in eight European countries. The study included individuals from the general population as well as the offspring of nonagenarians and Down syndrome subjects, who served as putative models of delayed and accelerated ageing, respectively. Significant linear changes of subtelomeric DNA methylation with increasing age were detected in the general population, indicating that subtelomeric DNA methylation changes are typical signs of ageing. Data also show that, compared to the general population, the dynamics of age-related DNA methylation changes are attenuated in the offspring of centenarian, while they accelerate in Down syndrome individuals. This result suggests that subtelomeric DNA methylation changes reflect the rate of ageing progression. We next attempted to trace the age-related changes of subtelomeric methylation back to the influence of diverse variables associated with methylation variations in the population, including demographics, dietary/health habits and clinical parameters. Results indicate that the effects of age on subtelomeric DNA methylation are mostly independent of all other variables evaluated.
Left-ventricular hypertrophy in 18-month-old donor rat hearts was not associated with graft dysfunction in the early phase of reperfusion after cardiac transplantation–gene expression profiling
Authors: Korkmaz-Icöz Sevil , Akca Deniz , Li Shiliang , Loganathan Sivakkanan , Brlecic Paige , Ruppert Mihály , Sayour Alex Ali , Simm Andreas , Brune Maik , Radovits Tamás , Karck Matthias , Szabó Gábor
Published: April 2021

The use of hearts with left-ventricular (LV) hypertrophy (LVH) could offer an opportunity to extend the donor pool for cardiac transplantation. We assessed the effects of LVH in 18-month-old spontaneously hypertensive stroke-prone (SHRSP) donor rats and following transplantation. In donors, cardiac function and structural alterations were assessed. Then, the hearts were transplanted into young normotensive-rats. We evaluated LV graft function 1 h after transplantation. The myocardial expression of 92 genes involved in apoptosis, inflammation, and oxidative-stress was profiled using PCR-array. Compared to controls, SHRSP-rats developed LVH, had increased LV systolic performance (slope of the end-diastolic pressure-volume (PV) relationship: 1.6±0.2 vs 0.8±0.1mmHg/μl,p<0.05) accompanied by diastolic dysfunction [prolonged time constant of LV pressure decay (Tau: 15.8±0.6 vs 12.3±0.5ms) and augmented diastolic stiffness (LV end-diastolic PV relationship: 0.103±0.012 vs 0.045±0.006mmHg/ml),p<0.05]. They presented ECG changes, myocardial fibrosis, and increased nitrotyrosine immunoreactivity and plasma troponin-T and creatine kinase-CM levels. After transplantation, even though the graft contractility was better in SHRSP rats compared to controls, the adverse impact of ischemia/reperfusion-injury on contractility was not altered (Eesratio after versus before transplantation: 32% vs 29%,p>0.05). Whereas nitrotyrosine immunoreactivity was higher, myeloperoxidase-positive cell infiltration was decreased in the SHRSP+transplanted compared to control+transplanted. Among the tested genes, LVH was associated with altered expression of 38 genes in donors, while transplantation of these hearts resulted in the change of four genes. Alterations in 18-month-old donor hearts, as a consequence of hypertension and LVH, were not associated with graft dysfunction in the early phase of reperfusion after transplantation.
Source, Characterization of Indoor Dust PAHs and the Health Risk on Chinese Children
Authors: Wang Xin-qi , Li Xu , Yang Yu-yan , Fan Lin , Han Xu , Li Li , Liu Hang , Ge Tan-xi , Su Li-qin , Wang Xian-liang , Zhu Yuan-duo
Published: April 2021

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in indoor dust are one of the common exposure sources for children worldwide. The aim of this study is to explore PAHs pollution status in indoor dust and estimate health risk on Chinese children with big data. Weighted average concentration was used to analyze source and characterization of PAHs in indoor dust based on peer-reviewed literature. According to specific inclusion criteria, 17 studies were included finally to analyze weighted average concentration. The national average concentration of Σ16PAHs was approximately 25.696 µg/g. The highest concentration of Σ16PAHs was in Shanxi (2111.667 µg/g), and the lowest was in Hong Kong (1.505 µg/g). The concentrations in Shanxi and Guangdong were higher than national level and the over standard rate was 18.18%. The concentrations of individual PAHs varied greatly across the country, and Flu in Shanxi was the highest (189.400 µg/g). The sources of PAHs varied in different regions and combustion processes played a leading role. PAHs exposure through ingestion and dermal contact was more carcinogenic than inhalation. The incremental lifetime cancer risk model indicated that children lived in Shanxi were found in the highest health risk coupled with the highest BaPE concentration (54.074 µg/g). Although PAHs concentrations of indoor dust showed a downward trend from 2005 to 2018, indoor environmental sanitation should be improved with multidisciplinary efforts. Health standard should be possibly established to minimize children exposure to PAHs in indoor dust in China.
Volatilized and Condensed Sb- and As-Bearing Phases Produced During Roasting of Cu-Rich Complex Concentrate in Nitrogen Atmosphere with Oxygen in Traces
Authors: Prasad Pande Nishant , Lennartsson Andreas , Samuelsson Caisa
Published: April 2021

A Cu-rich complex sulpfide concentrate (containing Sb as sulphosalts and gudmundite, and As as arsenopyrite) is roasted in Nitrogen atmosphere carrying traces of oxygen (

$${\text{p}}^{{\text{O}}_{2}} \approx {10}^{-5.3}\text{ bar)}$$

p

O
2

≈

10

-
5.3

bar)

. In situ measurements through QMS indicated that the volatilized species are mainly elemental sulfur, S2(g), and gaseous sulfur oxides. Sb- and As-bearing volatilized species could not be detected, owing to their low concentrations in the gas phase. Characterization studies through XRD and SEM-EDS confirmed that the condensates collected at room temperature during the roasting experiments comprised of (1) cyclo-octa sulfur, S8(s) and polysulfur oxides, S
n−x
O
x
(s); (2) amorphous trisulfides of Sb and As; (3) and cubic crystalline trioxides of Sb and As. The solid phases in the condensate were found to be fine-sized (sub-micronic) and widely intermixed. Consequently, quantification of the solid phases in the condensates through direct measurement techniques like QEMSCAN was not possible. A novel approach of partial quantification of solid phases in the condensate through a stochastic model-based calculation approach is also presented. The model results suggested the occurrence of vapor-phase complexation of sulfides of Sb and As in the gas phase. Additional attributes of the volatilized species could be determined through a thermodynamic equilibrium calculation showing that the formation of the complex oxides, As4−n
Sb
n
O6(g), would be negligible compared to that of the complex sulfides, As4−n
Sb
n
S6(g).
Dual-Tunable Polarization Insensitive Electromagnetically Induced Transparency in Metamaterials
Authors: Ning Renxia , Xiao Zhiqiang , Chen Zhenhai , Huang Wei
Published: April 2021

A multilayer structure of a square ring of graphene with nesting vanadium dioxide (VO2) was investigated in this study. This structure exhibits electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT), which stems from a bright mode coupling with a dark mode. The permittivity values of graphene and VO2 can be modulated via chemical potential and temperature, respectively. The EIT effect can be tuned based on the chemical potential of graphene and temperature of VO2, resulting in a dual-tunable EIT effect. Simulation results confirmed that this dual-tunable EIT phenomenon is insensitive to polarization. These results may have potential applications in terahertz devices, such as slow light devices, switching devices, and sensors.
Accuracy of common stem volume formulae using terrestrial photogrammetric point clouds: a case study with savanna trees in Benin
Authors: Akpo Hospice A. , Atindogbé Gilbert , Obiakara Maxwell C. , Adjinanoukon Arios B. , Gbedolo Madaï , Fonton Noël H.
Published: April 2021

Recent applications of digital photogrammetry in forestry have highlighted its utility as a viable mensuration technique. However, in tropical regions little research has been done on the accuracy of this approach for stem volume calculation. In this study, the performance of Structure from Motion photogrammetry for estimating individual tree stem volume in relation to traditional approaches was evaluated. We selected 30 trees from five savanna species growing at the periphery of the W National Park in northern Benin and measured their circumferences at different heights using traditional tape and clinometer. Stem volumes of sample trees were estimated from the measured circumferences using nine volumetric formulae for solids of revolution, including cylinder, cone, paraboloid, neiloid and their respective fustrums. Each tree was photographed and stem volume determined using a taper function derived from tri-dimensional stem models. This reference volume was compared with the results of formulaic estimations. Tree stem profiles were further decomposed into different portions, approximately corresponding to the stump, butt logs and logs, and the suitability of each solid of revolution was assessed for simulating the resulting shapes. Stem volumes calculated using the fustrums of paraboloid and neiloid formulae were the closest to reference volumes with a bias and root mean square error of 8.0% and 24.4%, respectively. Stems closely resembled fustrums of a paraboloid and a neiloid. Individual stem portions assumed different solids as follows: fustrums of paraboloid and neiloid were more prevalent from the stump to breast height, while a paraboloid closely matched stem shapes beyond this point. Therefore, a more accurate stem volumetric estimate was attained when stems were considered as a composite of at least three geometric solids.
Interventions and Operations after Bariatric Surgery in a Health Plan Research Network Cohort from the PCORnet, the National Patient-Centered Clinical Research Network
Authors: Ma Qinli , Shambhu Sonali , Arterburn David E. , McTigue Kathleen M. , Haynes Kevin
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Obesity is a highly prevalent condition with severe clinical burden. Bariatric procedures are an important and expanding treatment option. This study compared short-(30-day composite adverse events) and long-term (intervention/operation, endoscopy, hospitalization, and mortality up to 5 years) safety outcomes associated with three bariatric surgical procedures.

Materials and Methods

This observational cohort study replicated an electronic health record study comparing short- and long-term problems associated with three bariatric surgical procedures between January 1, 2006, and September 30, 2015, within a Health Plan Research Network.

Results

Of 95,251 adults, 34,240 (36%) underwent adjustable gastric banding (AGB), 36,206 (38%) Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), and 24,805 (26%) sleeve gastrectomy (SG). Median (interquartile range) years of follow-up was 3.3 (1.4–5.0) (AGB), 2.5 (1.0–4.6) (RYGB), and 1.1 (0.5–2.1) (SG). Overall mean (SD) age was 44.2 (11.4) years. The cohort was predominantly female (76%). Thirty-day composite adverse events occurred more frequently following RYGB (3.8%) than AGB (3.1%) and SG (2.8%). Operation/intervention was less likely in SG than in RYGB (adjusted hazard ratio (AHR), 0.87; 95%CI, 0.80–0.96; P=0.003), and more likely in AGB than in RYGB (AHR, 2.10; 95%CI, 2.00–2.21; P<0.001). Hospitalization was less likely after ABG and SG than after RYGB: AGB vs. RYGB, AHR=0.73; 95%CI, 0.71–0.76; P<0.001; SG vs. RYGB, AHR=0.79; 95%CI, 0.76–0.83; P<0.001. Mortality was most likely for RYGB (SG vs. RYGB: AHR, 0.76; 95%CI, 0.64–0.92; P=0.004; AGB vs. RYGB: AHR, 0.49; 95%CI, 0.43–0.56; P=0.001).

Conclusions

Interventions, operations, and hospitalizations were more often associated with AGB and RYGB than SG while RYGB had the lowest risk for revision.

Graphical abstract
Estimating and Applying Fish and Invertebrate Density and Production Enhancement from Seagrass, Salt Marsh Edge, and Oyster Reef Nursery Habitats in the Gulf of Mexico
Authors: zu Ermgassen Philine S. E. , DeAngelis Bryan , Gair Jonathan R. , Ermgassen Sophus zu , Baker Ronald , Daniels Andre , MacDonald Timothy C. , Meckley Kara , Powers Sean , Ribera Marta , Rozas Lawrence P. , Grabowski Jonathan H.
Published: April 2021

Seagrasses, oyster reefs, and salt marshes are critical coastal habitats that support high densities of juvenile fish and invertebrates. Yet which species are enhanced through these nursery habitats, and to what degree, remains largely unquantified. Densities of young-of-year fish and invertebrates in seagrasses, oyster reefs, and salt marsh edges as well as in paired adjacent unstructured habitats of the northern Gulf of Mexico were compiled. Species consistently found at higher densities in the structured habitats were identified, and species-specific growth and mortality models were applied to derive production enhancement estimates arising from this enhanced density. Enhancement levels for fish and invertebrate production were similar for seagrass (1370 [SD 317] g m–2 y–1for 25 enhanced species) and salt marsh edge habitats (1222 [SD 190] g m–2 y–1, 25 spp.), whereas oyster reefs produced ~650 [SD 114] g m–2 y–1(20 spp). This difference was partly due to lower densities of juvenile blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) on oyster reefs, although only oyster reefs enhanced commercially valuable stone crabs (Menippe spp.). The production estimates were applied to Galveston Bay, Texas, and Pensacola Bay, Florida, for species known to recruit consistently in those embayments. These case studies illustrated variability in production enhancement by coastal habitats within the northern Gulf of Mexico. Quantitative estimates of production enhancement within specific embayments can be used to quantify the role of essential fish habitat, inform management decisions, and communicate the value of habitat protection and restoration.
Opportunities and Challenges for Including Oyster-Mediated Denitrification in Nitrogen Management Plans
Authors: Rose Julie M. , Gosnell J. Stephen , Bricker Suzanne , Brush Mark J. , Colden Allison , Harris Lora , Karplus Eric , Laferriere Alix , Merrill Nathaniel H. , Murphy Tammy B. , Reitsma Joshua , Shockley Johnny , Stephenson Kurt , Theuerkauf Seth , Ward Dan , Fulweiler Robinson W.
Published: April 2021

Nitrogen pollution is one of the primary threats to coastal water quality globally, and governmental regulations and marine policy are increasingly requiring nitrogen remediation in management programs. Traditional mitigation strategies (e.g., advanced wastewater treatment) are not always enough to meet reduction goals. Novel opportunities for additional nitrogen reduction are needed to develop a portfolio of long-term solutions. Increasingly, in situ nitrogen reduction practices are providing a complementary management approach to the traditional source control and treatment, including recognition of potential contributions of coastal bivalve shellfish. While policy interest in bivalves has focused primarily on nitrogen removal via biomass harvest, bivalves can also contribute to nitrogen removal by enhancing denitrification (the microbial driven process of bioavailable nitrogen transformation to di-nitrogen gas). Recent evidence suggests that nitrogen removed via enhanced denitrification may eclipse nitrogen removal through biomass harvest alone. With a few exceptions, bivalve-enhanced denitrification has yet to be incorporated into water quality policy. Here, we focus on oysters in considering how this issue may be addressed. We discuss policy options to support expansion of oyster-mediated denitrification, describe the practical considerations for incorporation into nitrogen management, and summarize the current state of the field in accounting for denitrification in oyster habitats. When considered against alternative nitrogen control strategies, we argue that enhanced denitrification associated with oysters should be included in a full suite of nitrogen removal strategies, but with the recognition that denitrification associated with oyster habitats will not alone solve our excess nitrogen loading problem.
Enhanced algorithms to ensure the success of rendezvous maneuvers using aerodynamic forces
Authors: Bühler S. , Traub C. , Fasoulas S. , Herdrich G. H.
Published: April 2021

A common practice in the field of differential lift and drag controlled satellite formation flight is to analytically design maneuver trajectories using linearized relative motion models and the constant density assumption. However, the state-of-the-art algorithms inevitably fail if the initial condition of the final control phase exceeds an orbit and spacecraft-dependent range, the so-called feasibility range. This article presents enhanced maneuver algorithms for the third (and final) control phase which ensure the overall maneuver success independent of the initial conditions. Thereby, all maneuvers which have previously been categorized as infeasible due to algorithm limitations are rendered feasible. An individual algorithm is presented for both possible control options of the final phase, namely differential lift or drag. In addition, a methodology to precisely determine the feasibility range without the need of computational expensive Monte Carlo simulations is presented. This allows fast and precise assessments of possible influences of boundary conditions, such as the orbital inclination or the maneuver altitude, on the feasibility range.