bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Observer‐based hybrid synchronization control of multiagent systems under dynamic need‐based communication policies
Authors: Xu Yong , Liu Jian
Published: November 2021

This article focuses on the problem of observer‐based synchronization control of multi‐agent systems (MASs) subject to chattering phenomenon. Considering that full states of agents are not available and the limited network bandwidth of MAS networks exists, a novel observer‐based hybrid event‐triggered communication (or called need‐based communication) policy is exploited for synchronization of MASs, which is implemented in a fully distributed fashion without requiring any prior knowledge of global network parameters over an undirected graph. Then, to release the limitation of applications for the synchronous algorithm in undirected graphs, an observer‐based hybrid event‐triggered leader‐follower protocol and corresponding to its static triggering policy are developed to study the tracking control problem in a directed graph. Besides, the dynamic triggering policy is proposed by introducing an extra key variable for the directed graph case to reduce considerable triggering instants compared with the static one, which also subsume several existing synchronization schemes as special cases. It is shown that the proposed observer‐based event‐triggered policies can guarantee that leaderless and leader‐following synchronization with intermitted communications among agents. Moreover, Zeno behavior can be excluded. Finally, the practical merits of the proposed methods are corroborated using two numerical examples.
Biomolecule‐Interactive Flexible Light Emitting Capacitor Display
Authors: Qi Xiaoying , Wu Ruige , Lok Boon Keng , Kerk Wai Tat , Lai Steve Foo Khuen , Fan Wei , Pu Kanyi
Published: November 2021

Ultrathin, lightweight, flexible, and conformable interactive displays that transduce external stimuli into human‐readable signals are essential for emerging applications, such as wearable electronics, human–machine interfaces, and soft robots. Herein, a biomolecule‐interactive flexible light emitting capacitor (LEC) display (BIO‐LEC) capable of dynamic and quantitative visualization of biomolecules through naked‐eye detectable electroluminescence (EL) emission is reported. BIO‐LEC comprises a coplanar LEC light source at the bottom, and a designed microfluidic chip as sampling compartment at the top. The quantitative measurement feature of BIO‐LEC is achieved by introducing the top liquid electrode, which possesses a unique long dielectric realization time, in the microfluidic chip. BIO‐LEC is novel for the following reasons, 1) simple stimuli response principle based on correlating EL intensity to dielectric properties of the top liquid electrode; 2) simple test conditions whereby no labeling is required in the analyte solution to optically detect biomolecules; 3) effective sampling method through the design of an integrated microfluidic chip for hosting the top liquid electrode, ensuring good reproducibility and preventing contamination; 4) sensitive detection limit for heparin concentrations at clinically relevant levels, and 5) high compliance with industrial manufacturing standards.
Drug‐Dependent Morphological Transitions in Spherical and Worm‐Like Polymeric Micelles Define Stability and Pharmacological Performance of Micellar Drugs
Authors: Lim Chaemin , Ramsey Jacob D. , Hwang Duhyeong , Teixeira Susana C. M. , Poon Chi‐Duen , Strauss Joshua D. , Rosen Elias P. , Sokolsky‐Papkov Marina , Kabanov Alexander V.
Published: November 2021

Significant advances in physicochemical properties of polymeric micelles enable optimization of therapeutic drug efficacy, supporting nanomedicine manufacturing and clinical translation. Yet, the effect of micelle morphology on pharmacological efficacy is not adequately addressed. This work addresses this gap by assessing pharmacological efficacy of polymeric micelles with spherical and worm‐like morphologies. It is observed that poly(2‐oxazoline)‐based polymeric micelles can be elongated over time from a spherical structure to worm‐like structure, with elongation influenced by several conditions, including the amount and type of drug loaded into the micelles. The role of different morphologies on pharmacological performance of drug loaded micelles against triple‐negative breast cancer and pancreatic cancer tumor models is further evaluated. Spherical micelles accumulate rapidly in the tumor tissue while retaining large amounts of drug; worm‐like micelles accumulate more slowly and only upon releasing significant amounts of drug. These findings suggest that the dynamic character of the drug–micelle structure and the micelle morphology play a critical role in pharmacological performance, and that spherical micelles are better suited for systemic delivery of anticancer drugs to tumors when drugs are loosely associated with the polymeric micelles.
Smart Ternary Strategy in Promoting the Performance of Polymer Solar Cells Based on Bulk‐Heterojunction or Layer‐By‐Layer Structure
Authors: Xu Wenjing , Ma Xiaoling , Son Jae Hoon , Jeong Sang Young , Niu Lianbin , Xu Chunyu , Zhang Shuping , Zhou Zhengji , Gao Jinhua , Woo Han Young , Zhang Jian , Wang Jian , Zhang Fujun
Published: November 2021

Although the rapid development of polymer solar cells (PSCs) has been achieved, it is still a great challenge to explore efficient ways for improving power conversion efficiency (PCE) of PSCs from materials and device engineering. Ternary strategy has been confirmed as an efficient way to improve PCE of PSCs by employing three kinds of materials. In this work, one polymer donor PM6, and two non‐fullerene materials N3 and MF1 are selected to prepare ternary PSCs with layer‐by‐layer (LbL) or bulk‐heterojunction (BHJ) structure. The LbL and BHJ‐PSCs exhibit PCEs of 16.75% and 16.76% with 15 wt% MF1 content in acceptors, corresponding to over 5% or 4% PCE improvement compared with N3‐based binary PSCs with LbL or BHJ structure. The PCE improvement is mainly attributed to the fill factor enhancement from 73.29% to 76.95% for LbL‐PSCs or from 74.13% to 77.51% for BHJ‐PSCs by employing the ternary strategy. This work indicates that ternary strategy has great potential in preparing highly efficient LbL‐PSCs via simultaneously optimizing molecular arrangement and the thickness of each layer.
Scalable Synthesis of Nano‐Sized Bi for Separator Modifying in 5V‐Class Lithium Metal Batteries and Potassium Ion Batteries Anodes
Authors: Jiang Huiyu , Lin Xiaohang , Wei Chuanliang , Feng Jinkui , Tian Xuelei
Published: November 2021

With the advantages of high theoretical‐specific capacity and lowest working potential, lithium metal anode is considered as the most promising anode for next‐generation batteries. Here, a scalable dealloying method is developed to prepare nano‐sized bismuth (Bi). It is found that the Bi‐modification can not only enhance the wettability of the commercial polyethylene separator but also suppresses the lithium dendrite growth. With the nano‐sized Bi modified separator, 5V‐class lithium metal batteries with commercial carbonate‐based electrolyte show a 91% capacity retention ratio after 800 cycles. First‐principle calculations prove that lithium atoms tend to deposit smoothly on the Bi surface. Moreover, for potassium ion batteries, nano‐sized Bi shows a stable cycling performance and high capacity. The results may be useful for the development of high‐energy and high‐safety batteries.
Recent Advances in g‐C3N4‐Based Photocatalysts for Pollutant Degradation and Bacterial Disinfection: Design Strategies, Mechanisms, and Applications
Authors: Yang Xingxing , Ye Yongli , Sun Jiadi , Li Zaijun , Ping Jianfeng , Sun Xiulan
Published: November 2021

Emerging photocatalytic technology promises to provide an effective solution to the global energy crisis and environmental pollution. Graphite carbon nitride (g‐C3N4) has gained extensive attention in the scientific community due to its excellent physical and chemical properties, attractive electronic band structure, and low cost. In this paper, research progress in design strategies for g‐C3N4‐based photocatalysts in the past five years is reviewed from the perspectives of nanostructure construction, element doping, and heterostructure construction. To clarify the relationship between application requirements and structural design, variations in the morphology, electronic energy band structure, light absorption capacity, as well as interfacial charge transfer caused by various modification strategies are discussed in detail. The recent applications of g‐C3N4‐based photocatalysts for pollutant degradation and bacterial disinfection are reviewed, as well as the antimicrobial activity and degradation mechanisms. Finally, current challenges and future development directions for the practical application of g‐C3N4‐based photocatalysts are tentatively discussed.
Ultrahigh Energy Storage Performance of Flexible BMT‐Based Thin Film Capacitors
Authors: Bin Chengwen , Hou Xu , Xie Yadan , Zhang Jingtong , Yang Han , Xu Linrong , Wei Hua , Wang Jie
Published: November 2021

Ferroelectric thin film capacitors have attracted increasing attention because of their high energy storage density and fast charge–discharge speed, but less attention has been paid to the realization of flexible capacitors for wearable electronics and power systems. In this work, flexible xMn‐BiMg0.5Ti0.7O3 (xMn‐BMT0.7) thin film capacitors with ultrahigh energy storage density and good stability are deposited on mica substrate. The introduction of excess TiO2 with an amorphous structure contributes to the forming of the polar nano regions, resulting in the reduced ferroelectric hysteresis. In order to further improve the energy storage performance, Mn doping increases the polarization by regulating chemical pressure in the lattices and inhibits the valence change of Ti4+. Especially in the 1.5% Mn‐BMT0.7 film capacitor, an ultrahigh energy storage density of 124 J cm‐3 and an outstanding efficiency of 77% are obtained, which is one of the best energy storage performances recorded for ferroelectric capacitors. In addition, the flexible ferroelectric film capacitor also exhibits good thermal stability (25–200 °C), high frequency reliability (500 Hz–10 kHz), excellent electrical (108 cycles), and mechanical (104 cycles) fatigue properties. This work is expected to pave the way for the application of BMT‐based thin film capacitors in flexible energy storage systems.
P‐Doped SiOx/Si/SiOx Sandwich Anode for Li‐Ion Batteries to Achieve High Initial Coulombic Efficiency and Low Capacity Decay
Authors: Im Jinsol , Kwon Jung‐Dae , Kim Dong‐Ho , Yoon Sukeun , Cho Kuk Young
Published: November 2021

Initial reversibility and excellent capacity retention are the key requirements for the success of high‐capacity electrode materials in high‐performance Li‐ion batteries and pose a number of challenges to development. Silicon has been regarded as a promising anode material because of its outstanding theoretical capacity. However, it suffers from colossal volume change and continuous formation of unstable solid electrolyte interphases during lithiation/delithiation processes, which eventually result in low initial Coulombic efficiency (ICE) and severe capacity decay. To circumvent these challenges, a new sandwich Si anode (SiOx/Si/SiOx) free from prelithiation is designed and fabricated using a combination of P‐doping and SiOx layers. This new anode exhibits high conductivity and specific capacity compared to other Si thin‐film electrodes. Cells with SiOx/Si/SiOx anodes deliver the highest presently known ICE value among Si thin‐film anodes of 90.4% with a charge capacity of 3534 mA h g−1. In addition, the SiOx layer has sufficient mechanical stability to accommodate the large volume change of the intervening Si layer during charge‐discharge cycling, exhibiting high potential for practical applications of Si thin‐film anodes.
Effect of Different Starches on Edible Quality, In Vitro Starch Digestibility, and Antioxidant Property of Black Rice Noodle
Authors: Jin Fengfang , Niu Liya , Tu Jin , Xiao Jianhui
Published: November 2021

Although the nutritional value of black rice (BR) is high, the low amylose content makes undesirable qualities in black rice noodle (BRN) and leads to low levels of acceptance by consumers. In this work, mung bean starch (MBS), potato starch (PS), and corn starch (CS) are added (30% w/w based on BR) to BRN and the effects on the edibility, in vitro starch digestibility, and antioxidant properties are investigated. The results show that starches significantly reduced the cooking loss from 30.80% to 10.80% and broken rate from 44.43% to 0.00%, and increased the springiness and the extensibility properties of BRN while maintaining the low in vitro starch digestibility by characterizing the content of rapidly digestible starch (RDS), slowly digestible starch (SDS), and resistant starch (RS). Starches reduce the loss of total polyphenols of BRN during cooking, improve the release rate of polyphenols in the intestinal digestion, and maintain high DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging rate. Furthermore, scanning electron microscope (SEM) reveals that starches stabilized the microstructure of BRN by forming hydrogen bonds with BR and interfering with the reassociation of starch chains (confirmed by low field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF‐NMR), X‐ray diffraction XRD, Fourier transform‐infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), and rapid visco analyzer (RVA)). MBS shows the most positive effect on edible quality of BRN.
Inhibition Mechanism of Berberine on α‐Amylase and α‐Glucosidase in Vitro
Authors: Zhao Jinjin , Wang Zhangtie , Karrar Emad , Xu Deping , Sun Xiulan
Published: November 2021

Berberine is separated from medical plants and food raw materials, and shows excellent anti‐diabetic activity and could be used as a food additive in some countries and regions. However, its inhibitory mechanisms on α‐amylase and α‐glucosidase have hardly ever been revealed in vitro. In this study, enzymatic reaction kinetics, fluorescence quenching, circular dichroism spectroscopy, and molecular docking are used to study the inhibitory effects of berberine on α‐amylase and α‐glucosidase. Berberine has great inhibitory effects on α‐amylase and α‐glucosidase (IC50 = 50.83 µg mL–1, IC50 = 198.4 µg mL–1, respectively), and inhibition types of α‐amylase and α‐glucosidase are non‐competitive inhibition and competitive inhibition, respectively. Fluorescence spectra show that there is static quenching between berberine and α‐amylase or α‐glucosidase. Besides, hydrophobic interaction is the main interaction type. These results are further evidenced and visualized by molecular docking. This study provides a different theoretical basis for berberine in anti‐diabetic activity in vitro and expands interaction research about hydrophobic compounds and α‐amylase as well as α‐glucosidase.
Effect of Different Hydrothermal Treatments on Pasting, Textural, and Rheological Properties of Single and Dual Modified Corypha Umbraculifera L. Starch
Authors: Navaf Muhammed , Sunooj Kappat Valiyapeediyekkal , Krishna Nunna Ujwala , Aaliya Basheer , Sudheesh Cherakkathodi , Akhila Plachikkattu Parambil , Sabu Sarasan , Sasidharan Abhilash , Mir Shabir Ahmad , George Johnsy
Published: November 2021

Starch isolated from Corypha umbraculifera L. (talipot palm), a non‐conventional source of starch, is modified by heat‐moisture treatment (HMT), annealing (ANN), autoclaving (AUT), and HMT followed by AUT (HMT‐AUT), and ANN followed by AUT (ANN‐AUT). The effect of single and dual treatments on physicochemical, structural, and functional properties of starch is studied. All treated samples showed an A‐type crystalline pattern, however, the relative crystallinity increased by treatments from 16.35±0.42% to 26.76±0.64%, and the highest relative crystallinity is observed for ANN starch. The swelling power and solubility significantly changed (p ≤ 0.05) after modifications (S1). A higher pasting temperature and final viscosity are noticed in ANN‐AUT and AUT, respectively. However, all the treatments markedly decreased the breakdown viscosity. A higher gel hardness value of 112.58±1.2 N is observed in the HMT‐AUT starch sample.
Experimental study on the seismic behavior of large‐size square and rectangular steel reinforced concrete columns with high and normal strength concrete
Authors: Yin Fei , Wang Ruwei , Cao Wanlin , Dong Hongying , Zhao Yang , Song Yu
Published: November 2021

To study the seismic behavior of steel reinforced concrete columns with various cross‐sectional shapes, steel shapes, and concrete strengths, four large‐size specimens were designed and an experimental study was conducted. High‐strength concrete can effectively improve the bearing capacity, stiffness, and energy dissipation capacity of proposed specimens, while the specimens with high‐strength concrete showed more serious compressive damage and lower ductility index. The square specimens showed more significant bearing capacity decline after the peak point than rectangular specimens and the ductility indexes were smaller. However, the ductility indexes and peak drift ratios of all specimens were larger than 3.58 and 1/50, which still met the suggested values in the related code. The ductility indexes and residual deformations of square specimens with high‐ and low‐strength concrete were more closed than those of rectangular specimens with high‐ and low‐strength concrete, indicating that the proposed square specimens had more stable deformation capacity under different concrete strength. Furthermore, considering the different confinement effects of concrete in different regions, the stress–strain relationships of concrete in different regions were calculated individually and a modified fiber‐based method was proposed. The calculated results showed good agreement with the experimental results, indicating that the method can be used for the design of steel reinforced concrete column cross‐sections.
“Science theatre makes you good at science”: Affordances of embodied performances in urban elementary science classrooms
Authors: Varelas Maria , Kotler Rebecca T. , Natividad Hannah D. , Phillips Nathan C. , Tsachor Rachelle P. , Woodard Rebecca , Gutierrez Marcie , Melchor Miguel A. , Rosario Maria
Published: November 2021

School science continues to alienate students identifying with nondominant, non‐western cultures, and learners of color, and considers science as an enterprise where success necessitates divorcing the self and corporeal body from ideas and the mind. Resisting the colonizing pedagogy of the mind–body divide, we aimed at creating pedagogical spaces and places in science classes that sustain equitable opportunities for engagement and meaning making where body and mind are enmeshed. In the context of a partnership between school‐ and university‐based educators and researchers, we explored how multimodal literacies cultivated through the performing arts, provide students from minoritized communities opportunities to both create knowledge and to position themselves as science experts and brilliant and creative meaning makers. Four theoretical perspectives (social semiotics and multimodality; dramatizing and the embodied mind; dismantling master narratives for minoritized peoples; and the relationship of knowledge production and identity construction) framed this multiple case study of classes of elementary and middle school students who made sense of and communicated science concepts and practices through embodied performances. The study provided evidence that embodied science representations afford students abundant opportunities to construct science knowledge and positionings that support engagement with science, whether performed on a small scale in classrooms, or for the whole school through a large‐scale science play. Embodied dramatizing led to opportunities for collective meaning making as student‐performers coordinated across various movements and modes in order to represent ideas. Multiple enactments of the same concept nurtured the development of multi‐dimensional scientific, sociocultural, and sociopolitical meanings. During embodiments, students positioned themselves and others in ways that allowed expanded science identities to become possible, intertwined with other salient identities. By treating children's bodies as sites of knowledge, imagination, and expertise, integrating performing arts and science has the potential to facilitate the development of connections among ideas and between self and ideas.
Melamine induced changes in histopathology of the main organs and transcriptional levels of MAPK signaling genes in kidneys of female mice
Authors: Yang Wei , Liang Chen , Zhang Xiaoyan , Tian Xiaohui , Ren Chenxia , Chen Shuming , Wang Jundong , Zhang Jianhai
Published: November 2021

Melamine is an important chemical raw material used in industries, which has potential health risks to animals and humans. Current research mainly focuses on the toxic effects of high‐dose melamine ingestion. However, there are few reports on whether melamine at the current limited standard dose has adverse effects on various tissues and organs, and whether there are sensitive target genes for risk evaluation. For this, 24 female Kunming mice were fed 0, 1.8‐, 3.6‐, and 7.2‐ mg/kg/d melamine via drinking water for consecutive 28 days, respectively. The morphological changes of the ovarian, hepatic, and renal tissues were firstly observed. The results demonstrated that the histopathology of ovary, liver, and especially in kidney had been altered by melamine intake in female. And then, the transcriptional levels of MAPK signaling genes including p38, ERK1, ERK2, JNK1, and JNK2 in kidneys were investigated by real‐time PCR. The data showed that ERK1 and p38 mRNAs expressions were up‐regulated significantly by melamine, suggesting that ERK1 and p38 transcriptional levels in the kidney might to be considered as candidate targets for lower‐dose melamine toxicity. This study not only provides potential targets for the diagnosis and prevention of melamine damage, but also helps to assess the health risks of the current minimum allowable levels of melamine in food and environment.
Renormalization group evolution induced leptogenesis in the minimal seesaw model with the trimaximal mixing and mu-tau reflection symmetry
Authors: Zhao Zhen-hua
Published: November 2021

Abstract

In this paper, we consider the imbedding of the popular and well-motivated trimaximal mixing and μ–τ reflection symmetry (which can help us shape the forms of the neutrino mass matrix) in the minimal seesaw model (which contains much fewer parameters than the general seesaw model) with two TeV-scale right-handed neutrinos (for realizing a low-scale seesaw) of nearly degenerate masses (for realizing a resonant leptogenesis). However, either for the trimaximal mixing scenario (which is realized through the Form Dominance approach here) or for the μ–τ reflection symmetry scenario, leptogenesis cannot proceed. To address this issue, we consider the possibility that the special forms of the neutrino mass matrix for the trimaximal mixing and μ–τ reflection symmetry are slightly broken by the renormalization group evolution effect, thus allowing leptogenesis to proceed. It is found that in the normal case of the neutrino mass ordering, the baryon asymmetry thus generated can reproduce the observed value. For completeness, we have also extended our analysis to the scenario that two right-handed neutrinos are not nearly degenerate any more. Unfortunately, in this scenario the final baryon asymmetry is smaller than the observed value by several orders of magnitude.
Improved Ke3 radiative corrections sharpen the Kμ2–Kl3 discrepancy
Authors: Seng Chien-Yeah , Galviz Daniel , Gorchtein Mikhail , Meißner Ulf-G.
Published: November 2021

Abstract

The measurements of Vus in leptonic (Kμ2) and semileptonic (Kl3) kaon decays exhibit a 3σ disagreement, which could originate either from physics beyond the Standard Model or some large unidentified Standard Model systematic effects. Clarifying this issue requires a careful examination of all existing Standard Model inputs. Making use of a newly-proposed computational framework and the most recent lattice QCD results, we perform a comprehensive re-analysis of the electroweak radiative corrections to the Ke3 decay rates that achieves an unprecedented level of precision of 10−4, which improves the current best results by almost an order of magnitude. No large systematic effects are found, which suggests that the electroweak radiative corrections should be removed from the “list of culprits” responsible for the Kμ2–Kl3 discrepancy.
Past-year intimate partner violence perpetration among people with and without depression: an individual participant data (IPD) meta-mediation analysis
Authors: Saunders Katherine R. K. , Landau Sabine , Howard Louise M. , Fisher Helen L. , Arseneault Louise , McLeod Geraldine F. H. , Oram Sian
Published: November 2021

Purpose

To investigate whether (1) depression is associated with increased risk of past-year intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration, disaggregated by sex, after controlling for potential confounders; (2) observed associations are mediated by alcohol misuse or past-year IPV victimisation.

Methods

Systematic review and individual participant data (IPD) meta-mediation analysis of general population surveys of participants aged 16 years or older, that were conducted in a high-income country setting, and measured mental disorder and IPV perpetration in the last 12 months.

Results

Four datasets contributed to meta-mediation analyses, with a combined sample of 12,679 participants. Depression was associated with a 7.4% and 4.8% proportion increase of past-year physical IPV perpetration among women and men, respectively. We found no evidence of mediation by alcohol misuse. Among women, past-year IPV victimisation mediated 45% of the total effect of depression on past-year IPV perpetration. Past-year severe IPV victimisation mediated 60% of the total effect of depression on past-year severe IPV perpetration. We could not investigate IPV victimisation as a mediator among men due to perfect prediction.

Conclusions

Mental health services, criminal justice services, and domestic violence perpetrator programmes should be aware that depression is associated with increased risk of IPV perpetration. Interventions to reduce IPV victimisation might help prevent IPV perpetration by women. Data collection on mental disorder and IPV perpetration should be strengthened in future population-based surveys, with greater consistency of data collection across surveys, as only four studies were able to contribute to the meta-mediation analysis.
Long Arm of Motorway—The Impact of Fenced Road on the Mortality of European Badgers
Authors: Nowakowski Krzysztof , Ważna Agnieszka , Kurek Przemysław , Cichocki Jan , Bojarski Jacek , Gabryś Grzegorz
Published: November 2021

We studied the impact of the new fenced and accident-safe motorway on the mortality of European badgers Meles meles on local roads in western Poland in 2010–2015. We monitored the badgers mortality on local roads of three categories: main roads, secondary roads and county roads. The study was conducted before and after the opening of the motorway in 2012. We hypothesized that the mortality of badgers is lower due to traffic concentration on motorway. Ninety two badgers were killed in collisions with vehicles on all monitored roads. Mean number of killed badgers was lowest in 2010 before the motorway opening and the highest in 2012. The mortality of badgers on regional roads was highest after the opening of the motorway due to the changes in traffic on the access roads. Within the road network, the mortality of badgers was 5.8 individuals/10 km of road per whole study period with the highest rate on main roads 8.5 individuals/10 km. The badgers mortality was highest on county roads but it was lower than expected in relation to the road network density. The highest vehicle collision risk for badgers of both sexes occurred in June. Distance to human settlements was the only environmental factor that was positively related to badger mortality on roads. We conclude that the new motorway did not reduce the mortality rate of badgers on the adjacent roads because the status of local roads has changed and now they mainly function as access roads to the motorway.
High prevalence of hip lesions secondary to arthroscopic over- or undercorrection of femoroacetabular impingement in patients with postoperative pain
Authors: Meier Malin K. , Lerch Till D. , Steppacher Simon D. , Siebenrock Klaus A. , Tannast Moritz , Vavron Peter , Schmaranzer Ehrenfried , Schmaranzer Florian
Published: November 2021

Objectives

To compare the prevalence of pre- and postoperative osseous deformities and intra-articular lesions in patients with persistent pain following arthroscopic femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) correction and to identify imaging findings associated with progressive cartilage damage.

Methods

Retrospective study evaluating patients with hip pain following arthroscopic FAI correction between 2010 and 2018. Pre- and postoperative imaging studies were analyzed independently by two blinded readers for osseous deformities (cam-deformity, hip dysplasia, acetabular overcoverage, femoral torsion) and intra-articular lesions (chondro-labral damage, capsular lesions). Prevalence of osseous deformities and intra-articular lesions was compared with paired t-tests/McNemar tests for continuous/dichotomous data. Association between imaging findings and progressive cartilage damage was assessed with logistic regression.

Results

Forty-six patients (mean age 29 ± 10 years; 30 female) were included. Postoperatively, 74% (34/46) of patients had any osseous deformity including 48% (22/46) acetabular and femoral deformities. Ninety-six percent (44/46) had an intra-articular lesion ranging from 20% (9/46) for femoral to 65% (30/46) for acetabular cartilage lesions. Prevalence of hip dysplasia increased (2 to 20%, p = 0.01) from pre- to postoperatively while prevalence of cam-deformity decreased (83 to 28%, p < 0.001).

Progressive cartilage damage was detected in 37% (17/46) of patients and was associated with extensive preoperative cartilage damage > 2 h, i.e., > 60° (OR 7.72; p = 0.02) and an incremental increase in postoperative alpha angles (OR 1.18; p = 0.04).

Conclusion

Prevalence of osseous deformities secondary to over- or undercorrrection was high. Extensive preoperative cartilage damage and higher postoperative alpha angles increase the risk for progressive degeneration.

Key Points

• The majority of patients presented with osseous deformities of the acetabulum or femur (74%) and with intra-articular lesions (96%) on postoperative imaging.

• Prevalence of hip dysplasia increased (2 to 20%, p = 0.01) from pre- to postoperatively while prevalence of a cam deformity decreased (83 to 28%, p < 0.001).

• Progressive cartilage damage was present in 37% of patients and was associated with extensive preoperative cartilage damage > 2 h (OR 7.72; p = 0.02) and with an incremental increase in postoperative alpha angles (OR 1.18; p = 0.04).
Nomogram for predicting postoperative cancer-specific early death in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer based on the SEER database: a large cohort study
Authors: Zhang Tingting , Zhu Liancheng
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Ovarian cancer is a common gynecological malignant tumor. Poor prognosis is strongly associated with early death, but there is no effective tool to predict this. This study aimed to construct a nomogram for predicting cancer-specific early death in patients with ovarian cancer.

Methods

We used data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database of patients with ovarian cancer registered from 1988 to 2016. Important independent prognostic factors were determined by univariate and multivariate logistic regression and LASSO Cox regression. Several risk factors were considered in constructing the nomogram. Nomogram discrimination and calibration were evaluated using C-index, internal validation, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.

Results

A total of 4769 patients were included. Patients were assigned to the training set (n = 3340; 70%) and validation set (n = 1429; 30%). Based on the training set, eight variables were shown to be significant factors for early death and were incorporated in the nomogram: American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage, residual lesion size, chemotherapy, serum CA125 level, tumor size, number of lymph nodes examined, surgery of primary site, and age. The concordance indices and ROC curves showed that the nomogram had better predictive ability than the AJCC staging system and good clinical practicability. Internal validation based on validation set showed good consistency between predicted and observed values for early death.

Conclusion

Compared with predictions made based on AJCC stage or residual lesion size, the nomogram could provide more robust predictions for early death in patients with ovarian cancer.
Structural Parameterizations of Clique Coloring
Authors: Jaffke Lars , Lima Paloma T. , Philip Geevarghese
Published: November 2021

A clique coloring of a graph is an assignment of colors to its vertices such that no maximal clique is monochromatic. We initiate the study of structural parameterizations of the Clique Coloring problem which asks whether a given graph has a clique coloring with q colors. For fixed $$q \ge 2$$

q
≥
2

, we give an $$\mathscr {O}^{\star }(q^{{\mathsf {tw}}})$$

O
⋆

(

q
tw

)

-time algorithm when the input graph is given together with one of its tree decompositions of width $${\mathsf {tw}} $$
tw
. We complement this result with a matching lower bound under the Strong Exponential Time Hypothesis. We furthermore show that (when the number of colors is unbounded) Clique Coloring is $$\mathsf {XP}$$
XP
parameterized by clique-width.
Nicolaus Cusanus und implizite Funktionen
Authors: Förg-Rob Wolfgang , Girstmair Kurt
Published: November 2021

Nicolaus Cusanus’ Beiträge zur Mathematik des 15. Jahrhunderts betreffen hauptsächlich Kreisquadraturen. Wir besprechen seinen frühesten Versuch auf diesem Gebiet, der zu einer überraschend guten Approximation der Zahl $$\pi$$
π
führt. In seiner Begründung stellt Cusanus Behauptungen auf, die sich, modern gesprochen, in Aussagen über implizite Funktionen übersetzen lassen. Wir beweisen diese Aussagen und diskutieren Joseph Ehrenfried Hofmanns Beweisversuch, der 70 Jahre zurückliegt.
Enteric methane emission estimates for Kenyan cattle in a nighttime enclosure using a backward Lagrangian Stochastic dispersion technique
Authors: Wolz Kevin , Leitner Sonja , Merbold Lutz , Wolf Benjamin , Mauder Matthias
Published: November 2021

This study provides methane (CH4) emission estimates for mature female African beef cattle in a semi-arid region in Southern Kenya using open-path laser spectroscopy together with a backward Lagrangian Stochastic (bLS) dispersion modeling technique. We deployed two open-path lasers to determine 10-min averages of line-integrated CH4 measurements upwind and downwind of fenced enclosures (so-called bomas: a location where the cattle are gathered at night) during 14 nights in September/October 2019. The measurements were filtered for wind direction deviations and friction velocity before the model was applied. We compared the obtained emission factors (EFs) with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Tier 1 estimates for the Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries, which were mostly derived from studies carried out in developed countries and adapted to the conditions in Africa. The resulting EF of 75.4 ± 15.99 kg year−1 and the EFs calculated from other studies carried out in Africa indicate the need for the further development of region-specific EFs depending on animal breed, livestock systems, feed quantity, and composition to improve the IPCC Tier 1 estimates.
Efficient exploratory clustering analyses in large-scale exploration processes
Authors: Fritz Manuel , Behringer Michael , Tschechlov Dennis , Schwarz Holger
Published: November 2021

Clustering is a fundamental primitive in manifold applications. In order to achieve valuable results in exploratory clustering analyses, parameters of the clustering algorithm have to be set appropriately, which is a tremendous pitfall. We observe multiple challenges for large-scale exploration processes. On the one hand, they require specific methods to efficiently explore large parameter search spaces. On the other hand, they often exhibit large runtimes, in particular when large datasets are analyzed using clustering algorithms with super-polynomial runtimes, which repeatedly need to be executed within exploratory clustering analyses. We address these challenges as follows: First, we present LOG-Means and show that it provides estimates for the number of clusters in sublinear time regarding the defined search space, i.e., provably requiring less executions of a clustering algorithm than existing methods. Second, we demonstrate how to exploit fundamental characteristics of exploratory clustering analyses in order to significantly accelerate the (repetitive) execution of clustering algorithms on large datasets. Third, we show how these challenges can be tackled at the same time. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first work which simultaneously addresses the above-mentioned challenges. In our comprehensive evaluation, we unveil that our proposed methods significantly outperform state-of-the-art methods, thus especially supporting novice analysts for exploratory clustering analyses in large-scale exploration processes.
Characterizing the universal rigidity of generic tensegrities
Authors: Oba Ryoshun , Tanigawa Shin-ichi
Published: November 2021

A tensegrity is a structure made from cables, struts, and stiff bars. A d-dimensional tensegrity is universally rigid if it is rigid in any dimension $$d'$$

d
′

with $$d'\ge d$$

d
′

≥
d

. The celebrated super stability condition due to Connelly gives a sufficient condition for a tensegrity to be universally rigid. Gortler and Thurston showed that super stability characterizes universal rigidity when the point configuration is generic and every member is a stiff bar. We extend this result in two directions. We first show that a generic universally rigid tensegrity is super stable. We then extend it to tensegrities with point group symmetry, and show that this characterization still holds as long as a tensegrity is generic modulo symmetry. Our strategy is based on the block-diagonalization technique for symmetric semidefinite programming problems, and our proof relies on the theory of real irreducible representations of finite groups.
Workers’ access to Swedish opera houses and concert halls, 1898–2019
Authors: Albinsson Staffan
Published: November 2021

In this study ticket prices to Swedish opera houses and symphony orchestra concerts are compared to wages during the 1898–2019 period. Both wages and ticket prices have increased continuously. The same kind of policy objectives concerning social inclusion of disadvantaged groups that were established in the beginning of the twentieth century is still proclaimed. The most favourable ticket pricing policies for buyers were used in the decades around the first national Cultural Policy Act from 1974. The study shows that ticket price levels have risen thereafter to a level much less favourable for low-income workers. Managements do use some price discrimination tactics. However, they do it uniformly for all events. They now focus on the promotion of special, ‘popular music’-based events as a response to social inclusion directives. The idea is that attending such performances will make visitors interested in the normal repertoire, as well. The choice of high-level ticket prices for the traditional content means that the standard audience remains monocultural.
An Empirical Q-Matrix Validation Method for the Polytomous G-DINA Model
Authors: de la Torre Jimmy , Qiu Xue-Lan , Santos Kevin Carl
Published: November 2021

A number of empirically based Q-matrix validation methods are available in the literature, all of which were developed for cognitive diagnosis models (CDMs) involving dichotomous attributes. However, in many applications, it is more instructionally relevant to classify students into more than two categories (e.g., no mastery, basic mastery, and advanced mastery). To extend the practical utility of CDMs, methods for validating the Q-matrix for CDMs that measure polytomous attributes are needed. This study focuses on validating the Q-matrix of the generalized deterministic input, noisy, “and” gate model for polytomous attributes (pG-DINA). The pGDI, an extension of the G-DINA model discrimination index, is proposed for polytomous attributes. The pGDI serves as the basis of a validation method that can be used not only to identify potential misspecified q-entries, but also to suggest more appropriate attribute-level specifications. The theoretical properties of the pGDI are underpinned by several mathematical proofs, whereas its practical viability is examined using simulation studies covering various conditions. The results show that the method can accurately identify misspecified q-entries and suggest the correct attribute-level specifications, particularly when high-quality items are involved. The pGDI is applied to a proportional reasoning test that measures several polytomous attributes.
The environmental Kuznets curve for Turkish provinces: a spatial panel data approach
Authors: Karahasan Burhan Can , Pinar Mehmet
Published: November 2021

This paper aims to test the existence of the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) hypothesis using SO2 measurements in Turkish provinces between 2004 and 2019. The existing studies concerning the EKC hypothesis for Turkey either use a country-level analysis or panel data techniques covering provincial data that do not account for the spatial dimension. To account for the spatial dependence and overcome the biases resulting from the existence of such spatial spillovers, this paper combines the traditional panel data methodology with the recent advances in spatial econometrics. Our findings confirm the presence of a non-linear link between regional economic prospects and environmental degradation. However, unlike the core expectations of the EKC hypothesis, our results demonstrate a U-shaped relationship between economic development and SO2 levels. Moreover, these findings are robust to the inclusion of a spatial battery which highlights the existence of regional spillovers. Overall, our results show that the post-2000 epoch calls for a different action plan to mitigate the rising impact of environmental degradation in Turkey.
The influence of antibiotics on the anammox process — a review
Authors: Gamoń Filip , Cema Grzegorz , Ziembińska-Buczyńska Aleksandra
Published: November 2021

Anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) is one of the most promising processes for the treatment of ammonium-rich wastewater. It is more effective, cheaper, and more environmentally friendly than the conventional process currently in use for nitrogen removal. Unfortunately, anammox bacteria are sensitive to various substances, including heavy metals and organic matter commonly found in the wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Of these deleterious substances, antibiotics are recognized to be important. For decades, the increasing consumption of antibiotics has led to the increased occurrence of antibiotics in the aquatic environment, including wastewater. One of the most important issues related to antibiotic pollution is the generation and transfer of antibiotic resistance bacteria (ARB) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Here, we will discuss the effect of short- and long-term exposure of the anammox process to antibiotic pollutants; with a special focus on the activity of the anammox bacteria, biomass properties, community structures, the presence of antibiotic resistance genes and combined effect of antibiotics with other substances commonly found in wastewater. Further, the defense mechanisms according to which bacteria adapt against antibiotic stress are speculated upon. This review aims to facilitate a better understanding of the influence of antibiotics and other co-pollutants on the anammox process and to highlight future avenues of research to target gaps in the knowledge.
Determination of anisotropic elastic parameters from morphological parameters of cancellous bone for osteoporotic lumbar spine
Authors: Oefner Christoph , Riemer Elena , Funke Kerstin , Werner Michael , Heyde Christoph-Eckhard , Schoenfelder Stephan
Published: November 2021

In biomechanics, large finite element models with macroscopic representation of several bones or joints are necessary to analyze implant failure mechanisms. In order to handle large simulation models of human bone, it is crucial to homogenize the trabecular structure regarding the mechanical behavior without losing information about the realistic material properties. Accordingly, morphology and fabric measurements of 60 vertebral cancellous bone samples from three osteoporotic lumbar spines were performed on the basis of X-ray microtomography (μCT) images to determine anisotropic elastic parameters as a function of bone density in the area of pedicle screw anchorage. The fabric tensor was mapped in cubic bone volumes by a 3D mean-intercept-length method. Fabric measurements resulted in a high degree of anisotropy (DA = 0.554). For the Young’s and shear moduli as a function of bone volume fraction (BV/TV, bone volume/total volume), an individually fit function was determined and high correlations were found (97.3 ≤ R2 ≤ 99.1,p < 0.005). The results suggest that the mathematical formulation for the relationship between anisotropic elastic constants and BV/TV is applicable to current μCT data of cancellous bone in the osteoporotic lumbar spine. In combination with the obtained results and findings, the developed routine allows determination of elastic constants of osteoporotic lumbar spine. Based on this, the elastic constants determined using homogenization theory can enable efficient investigation of human bone using finite element analysis (FEA).
Central Nervous System Effects of COVID-19 in People with HIV Infection
Authors: Peluso Michael J. , Hellmuth Joanna , Chow Felicia C.
Published: November 2021

The convergence of the HIV and SARS-CoV-2 pandemics is an emerging field of interest. In this review, we outline the central nervous system (CNS) effects of COVID-19 in the general population and how these effects may manifest in people with HIV (PWH). We discuss the hypothetical mechanisms through which SARS-CoV-2 could impact the CNS during both the acute and recovery phases of infection and the potential selective vulnerability of PWH to these effects as a result of epidemiologic, clinical, and biologic factors. Finally, we define key research questions and considerations for the investigation of CNS sequelae of COVID-19 in PWH.