bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental study on durability of basalt fiber concrete after elevated temperature
Authors: Lu Limin , Han Fei , Wu Shaohua , Qin Yuwen , Yuan Guanglin , Doh Jeung‐Hwan
Published: October 2021

The durability of concrete material after exposure to elevated temperatures is important for the serviceability prediction of concrete structures in a fire disaster scenario. Existing researches show that an appropriate amount of basalt fiber can significantly improve the splitting tensile strength and chloride penetration resistance of concrete. However, the mechanical properties of basalt fiber concrete after elevated temperatures and its durability properties are still not clear. In this paper, the mechanical properties, carbonization law, and chloride ion penetration law of ordinary concrete and basalt fiber concrete under high temperatures are studied. The concept of a burnt layer for concrete exposed to elevated temperatures is proposed, and the thickness of this burnt layer for concrete under different temperatures was measured. The results show that the addition of basalt fiber can inhibit the carbonization of concrete at elevated temperatures, diminish the thickness of the burnt layer, and significantly improve the chloride penetration resistance of concrete.
Prediction model for maximum shear displacement of pipe joints with preexisting defects based on finite element–multiple nonlinear regression method
Authors: Li Bin , Fang Hongyuan , Zhang Xijun , Yang Kangjian , Dong Boyuan , Pang Gaozhao , Zhai Kejie
Published: October 2021

Under the coupling effect of the defects inside and around pipes, the shear displacement of the joints of old concrete pipes fallen into disrepair usually shows an accelerated deterioration trend, and its excessive value can lead to structural damage or fluid leakage. Therefore, developing a prediction model for the maximum shear displacement of concrete drainage pipe joints with preexisting defects is of crucial significance. To this end, this work selects internal corrosion and erosion voids as the typical defects inside and around old pipes, establishes 300 sets of three‐dimensional fine finite element (FE) models of the concrete drainage pipes with corrosion and void, and verifies the reliability of the developed FE model by the full‐scale tests. Based on the verified FE data, a prediction model is successfully proposed for the assessment of the maximum shear displacement of the concrete drainage pipe joints with corrosion and void defects. Moreover, parameter sensitivity analysis is carried out to reveal their relative contribution to the maximum shear displacement of pipe joints. The results show that the model proposed herein has the ability to accurately predict the maximum shear displacement of the pipe joints. The maximum and minimum relative error between the value predicted by the proposed model and the one computed by the FE model is also 12.4% and 4.8% respectively. Moreover, the traffic load with a contribution of 28.7% has the greatest impact on the maximum shear displacement of pipe joints.
COVID-19: A Trigger for Innovations in Insurance?
Authors: Boado-Penas María del Carmen , Eisenberg Julia , Şahin Şule
Published: October 2021

This chapter gives an overview of the consequences of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19 on the insurance branch. The main problems caused by the pandemic on the commercial insurance, and in particular, on the business interruption and possible innovations are discussed. The aim is to prepare the reader for the following chapters specifically by demonstrating connections between different aspects of modelling a pandemic. These models are necessary to create new insurance products supplementing governments’ actions in response to a pandemic.
Diagnostic Tests and Procedures During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Dunbar Sherry A. , Tang Yi-Wei
Published: October 2021

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has brought a huge impact on global health and the economy. Early and accurate diagnosis of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections is essential for clinical intervention and pandemic control. This book chapter addresses the evolving approach to the laboratory diagnosis of COVID-19 covering preanalytical, analytical, and postanalytical steps. The rapidly changing dynamics of the COVID-19 pandemic serve as an example which will be important for laboratories to plan for future pandemics. With the quick identification of the causative pathogen and availability of the genome sequence, it will be possible to develop and implement diagnostic tests within weeks of an outbreak. Laboratories will need to be flexible to continuously adapt to changing testing needs and burdens on the healthcare system, plan mitigation strategies for bottlenecks in testing and workflow due to limitations on resources and supplies, and prepare back-up plans now in order to be better prepared for future pandemics.
Compulsory Licenses and Government Use: Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Vawda Yousuf A.
Published: October 2021

The compulsory licensing and government use flexibility is potentially the most powerful tool available under the TRIPS Agreement, as amplified by the Doha Declaration, to advance public health objectives. Yet, many lower and middle income countries have shown an apparent reluctance to both incorporate them into their national legislation and then utilise them—except in a relatively small number of cases. This contribution analyses the circumstances surrounding this phenomenon. It outlines the context, historical roots of compulsory licensing and its inclusion on the TRIPS Agreement, recent examples of its utility including in two sub-Saharan countries affected by HIV/AIDS, and offers some recommendations. Among the propositions advanced are that the use of such flexibilities is not an insurmountable problem (as the case of Zimbabwe illustrates) and that in the longer term, public health objectives are best advanced by, among others, amending the TRIPS Agreement to exempt health technologies from the ambit of intellectual property protection, and new, alternative models for rewarding innovation in this field of technology being introduced.
Ein transparentes Modell für einen fairen Preis für innovative Arzneimittel in Europa
Authors: Hendrickx Anne , Kanga-Tona Thomas
Published: October 2021

Das empfindliche Gleichgewicht zwischen Bezahlbarkeit von Arzneimitteln, Nutzen für Gesundheitssysteme und Patient:innen sowie Einnahmen für die Pharmafirmen hat sich zugunsten letzterer eingependelt. Die europäischen Gesundheitssysteme tun sich schwer damit, Patient:innen zeitnahen Zugang zu neuartigen Arzneimitteln zu ermöglichen, weil deren hohe Preise nicht gerechtfertigt sind. Wie aber verschafft man den Patient:innen Zugang und setzt dabei gleichzeitig Anreize für die Pharmaindustrie, in neue Arzneimittel zu investieren, die die Patient:innen auch wirklich brauchen? In ihrem Modell für eine faire Preisfestsetzung in Europa plädiert die Association Internationale de la Mutualité (AIM) für eine aktivere Rolle der Preisfestsetzungs- und Erstattungsbehörden in Europa bei der Definition und Festsetzung „fairer“ Preise für innovative Arzneimittel. Alternativ zum bisherigen Value-based Pricing schlägt die AIM einen einfachen, aber effektiven Algorithmus vor, der auf die zugrunde liegenden Kosten und den therapeutischen Nutzen abstellt. Wenn man den Gewinn auf ein vernünftiges Maß beschränken und gleichzeitig relevante Innovationen honorieren würde, dann könnte man die Arzneimittelpreise senken und den Patient:innen einen besseren Zugang zu diesen Medikamenten verschaffen. Mit ihrem Modell für eine faire Preisfestsetzung in Europa leistet die AIM einen Beitrag zu einer zentralen Debatte, die die Gesundheitssysteme weltweit in den kommenden Jahren beschäftigen wird.
Ansätze der Heterodoxen Ökonomik
Authors: Mosebach Kai
Published: October 2021

Heterodoxe Ansätze hinterfragen neoklassische Gewissheiten der Arzneimittelversorgung. Dieser Beitrag beschreibt zunächst die besonderen Grundannahmen der heterodoxen (Pharma-)Ökonomik. Im Anschluss daran werden heterodoxe Argumentationslinien dargestellt, welche die hochpreisigen Arzneimittelinnovationen der letzten 10–15 Jahre zu erklären versuchen. Die Kernthese der heterodoxen (Pharma-)Ökonomik ist, dass die großen Pharmaunternehmen aufgrund ihrer Preisführerschaft sich nicht nur die Wertbeiträge staatlicher Forschungs- und Technologieförderung, sondern auch die Innovationskraft von kleinen Start-Up-Unternehmen aneignen, um ihr börsenorientiertes Wachstumsmodell zu verfolgen. Sie nutzen ihre auf Preisführerschaft und immateriellen Vermögenswerten beruhende Marktmacht zur Maximierung ihres Unternehmenswertes und der Kapitalrendite, was – paradoxerweise – ihre Innovationskraft schwächt. Abschließend wird erörtert, welche Schlussfolgerungen die theoretischen Annahmen und empirischen Ergebnisse der heterodoxen Ökonomik bei der Reform des AMNOG-Prozesses nahelegen.
Preisregulierungen im internationalen Vergleich
Authors: Vogler Sabine
Published: October 2021

Im europäischen und internationalen Vergleich ist das deutsche Preisniveau von Arzneimitteln hoch – insbesondere das von neuen patentgeschützten Medikamenten. Preisregulierungen können dazu beitragen, die nachhaltige Finanzierung des Solidarsystems zu sichern. In diesem Beitrag werden Preisregulierungen im internationalen Umfeld präsentiert. In den meisten europäischen Staaten sind die Herstellerpreise von Arzneimitteln ab Markteintritt reguliert, zumindest für jene Medikamente, deren Kosten jedenfalls teilweise von den (öffentlichen) Zahlern getragen werden. Rabattabkommen (Managed Entry Agreements) sind in vielen Ländern ein gängiger Ansatz, um den Marktzugang zu hochpreisigen Arzneimitteln zu ermöglichen; sie sind allerdings meist intransparent. Neue Beschaffungsmodelle mit einer von der konsumierten Menge unabhängigen Umsatzgarantie für die pharmazeutischen Unternehmer werden in ein paar Ländern pilotiert. Im Rahmen eines integrierten Ansatzes wird Preisregulierung als Teil eines Maßnahmenpakets verstanden, das etwa auch Horizon Scanning und HTA umfasst. In jüngerer Zeit kooperieren Länder mit gemeinsamen Preisverhandlungen bzw. Arzneimittelbeschaffungen.
Beta functions for the duality-invariant sigma model
Authors: Bonezzi Roberto , Codina Tomas , Hohm Olaf
Published: October 2021

Abstract

The O(d, d) invariant worldsheet theory for bosonic string theory with d abelian isometries is employed to compute the beta functions and Weyl anomaly at one-loop. We show that vanishing of the Weyl anomaly coefficients implies the equations of motion of the Maharana-Schwarz action. We give a self-contained introduction into the required techniques, including beta functions, the Weyl anomaly for two-dimensional sigma models and the background field method. This sets the stage for a sequel to this paper on generalizations to higher loops and α′ corrections.
Time-independence of gravitational Rényi entropies and unitarity in quantum gravity
Authors: Marolf Donald , Wang Zhencheng
Published: October 2021

Abstract

The Hubeny-Rangamani-Takayanagi surface γHRT computing the entropy S(D) of a domain of dependence D on an asymptotically AdS boundary is known to be causally inaccessible from D. We generalize this gravitational result to higher replica numbers n > 1 by considering the replica-invariant surfaces (aka ‘splitting surfaces’) γ of real-time replica-wormhole saddle-points computing Rényi entropies Sn(D) and showing that there is a sense in which D must again be causally inaccessible from γ when the saddle preserves both replica and conjugation symmetry. This property turns out to imply the Sn(D) to be independent of any choice of any Cauchy surface ΣD for D, and also that the Sn(D) are independent of the choice of boundary sources within D. This is a key hallmark of unitary evolution in any dual field theory. Furthermore, from the bulk point of view it adds to the evidence that time evolution of asymptotic observables in quantum gravity is implemented by a unitary operator in each baby universe superselection sector. Though we focus here on pure Einstein-Hilbert gravity and its Kaluza-Klein reductions, we expect the argument to extend to any two-derivative theory who satisfies the null convergence condition. We consider both classical saddles and the effect of back-reaction from quantum corrections.
Thermodynamics of near BPS black holes in AdS4 and AdS7
Authors: Larsen Finn , Paranjape Shruti
Published: October 2021

Abstract

We develop the thermodynamics of black holes in AdS4 and AdS7 near their BPS limit. In each setting we study the two distinct deformations orthogonal to the BPS surface as well as their nontrivial interplay with each other and with BPS properties. Our results illuminate recent microscopic calculations of the BPS entropy. We show that these microscopic computations can be leveraged to also describe the near BPS regime, by generalizing the boundary conditions imposed on states.
Alpha and beta myosin isoforms and human atrial and ventricular contraction
Authors: Walklate Jonathan , Ferrantini Cecilia , Johnson Chloe A. , Tesi Chiara , Poggesi Corrado , Geeves Michael A.
Published: October 2021

Human atrial and ventricular contractions have distinct mechanical characteristics including speed of contraction, volume of blood delivered and the range of pressure generated. Notably, the ventricle expresses predominantly β-cardiac myosin while the atrium expresses mostly the α-isoform. In recent years exploration of the properties of pure α- & β-myosin isoforms have been possible in solution, in isolated myocytes and myofibrils. This allows us to consider the extent to which the atrial vs ventricular mechanical characteristics are defined by the myosin isoform expressed, and how the isoform properties are matched to their physiological roles. To do this we Outline the essential feature of atrial and ventricular contraction; Explore the molecular structural and functional characteristics of the two myosin isoforms; Describe the contractile behaviour of myocytes and myofibrils expressing a single myosin isoform; Finally we outline the outstanding problems in defining the differences between the atria and ventricles. This allowed us consider what features of contraction can and cannot be ascribed to the myosin isoforms present in the atria and ventricles.
Stable Multi-Level Monotonic Eroders
Authors: Gács Péter , Törmä Ilkka
Published: October 2021

Eroders are monotonic cellular automata with a linearly ordered state set that eventually wipe out any finite island of nonzero states. One-dimensional eroders were studied by Gal’perin in the 1970s, who presented a simple combinatorial characterization of the class. The multi-dimensional case has been studied by Toom and others, but no such characterization has been found. We prove a similar characterization for those one-dimensional monotonic cellular automata that are eroders even in the presence of random noise.
Mouse Genome Informatics (MGI): latest news from MGD and GXD
Authors: Ringwald Martin , Richardson Joel E. , Baldarelli Richard M. , Blake Judith A. , Kadin James A. , Smith Cynthia , Bult Carol J.
Published: October 2021

The Mouse Genome Informatics (MGI) database system combines multiple expertly curated community data resources into a shared knowledge management ecosystem united by common metadata annotation standards. MGI’s mission is to facilitate the use of the mouse as an experimental model for understanding the genetic and genomic basis of human health and disease. MGI is the authoritative source for mouse gene, allele, and strain nomenclature and is the primary source of mouse phenotype annotations, functional annotations, developmental gene expression information, and annotations of mouse models with human diseases. MGI maintains mouse anatomy and phenotype ontologies and contributes to the development of the Gene Ontology and Disease Ontology and uses these ontologies as standard terminologies for annotation. The Mouse Genome Database (MGD) and the Gene Expression Database (GXD) are MGI’s two major knowledgebases. Here, we highlight some of the recent changes and enhancements to MGD and GXD that have been implemented in response to changing needs of the biomedical research community and to improve the efficiency of expert curation. MGI can be accessed freely athttp://www.informatics.jax.org.
P75 neurotrophin receptor controls subventricular zone neural stem cell migration after stroke
Authors: Deshpande Sachin S. , Malik Subash C. , Conforti Pasquale , Lin Jia-di , Chu Yu-Hsuan , Nath Suvra , Greulich Franziska , Dumbach Meike-Ast , Uhlenhaut N. Henriette , Schachtrup Christian
Published: October 2021

Stroke is the leading cause of adult disability. Endogenous neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs) originating from the subventricular zone (SVZ) contribute to the brain repair process. However, molecular mechanisms underlying CNS disease-induced SVZ NSPC-redirected migration to the lesion area are poorly understood. Here, we show that genetic depletion of the p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR−/−) in mice reduced SVZ NSPC migration towards the lesion area after cortical injury and that p75NTR−/− NSPCs failed to migrate upon BDNF stimulation in vitro. Cortical injury rapidly increased p75NTR abundance in SVZ NSPCs via bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) receptor signaling. SVZ-derived p75NTR−/− NSPCs revealed an altered cytoskeletal network- and small GTPase family-related gene and protein expression. In accordance, BMP-treated non-migrating p75NTR−/− NSPCs revealed an altered morphology and α-tubulin expression compared to BMP-treated migrating wild-type NSPCs. We propose that BMP-induced p75NTR abundance in NSPCs is a regulator of SVZ NSPC migration to the lesion area via regulation of the cytoskeleton following cortical injury.
Trocar site hernia after gastric sleeve
Authors: Ahlqvist Sandra , Edling Axel , Alm Magnus , Dackhammar Johan Blixt , Nordin Pär , Cengiz Yücel
Published: October 2021

Background

Laparoscopy is common in abdominal surgery. Trocar site hernia (TSH) is a most likely underestimated complication. Among risk factors, obesity, the use of larger trocars and the umbilical trocar site has been described. In a previous study, CT scan in the prone position was found to be a reliable method for the detection of TSH following gastric bypass (LRYGB). In the present study, our aim was to examine the incidence of TSH after gastric sleeve, and further to investigate the proportion of symptomatic trocar site hernias.

Methods

Seventy-nine patients subjected to laparoscopic gastric sleeve in 2011–2016 were examined using CT in the prone position upon a ring. Symptoms of TSH were assessed using a digital survey.

Results

The incidence of trocar site hernia was 17 out of 79 (21.5%), all at the umbilical trocar site. The mean follow-up time was 37 months. There was no significant correlation between patient symptoms and a TSH.

Conclusions

The incidence of TSH is high after laparoscopic gastric sleeve, a finding in line with several recent studies as well as with our first trial on trocar site hernia after LRYGB. Up to follow-up, none of the patients had been subjected to hernia repair. Although the consequence of a trocar site hernia can be serious, the proportion of symptomatic TSH needs to be more clarified.
Clinical outcomes after one anastomosis gastric bypass versus sleeve gastrectomy in super-super-obese patients
Authors: Schmitz Sophia M.-T. , Alizai Patrick H. , Kroh Andreas , Schipper Sandra , Brozat Jonathan F. , Plamper Andreas , Neumann Ulf P. , Rheinwalt Karl , Ulmer Tom F.
Published: October 2021

Background

Bariatric surgery in super-super-obese (SSO) patients remains a continuous challenge due to intraabdominal fat masses, higher liver volume and existing comorbidities. A convenient procedure in SSO patients is one anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB). The aim of this study was to compare the outcome of SSO patients undergoing OAGB in comparison to laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG).

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed data from SSO patients who underwent OAGB and LSG in our institution between 2008 and 2020. Primary endpoints included percentage total body weight loss and percentage BMI loss at 12, 24, and 36 months after the operation. Secondary endpoints were perioperative complications, procedure length, length of hospital stay and outcome of comorbidities.

Results

243 patients were included in this study. 93 patients underwent LSG and 150 underwent OAGB. At any of the time points evaluated, weight loss in patients after OAGB was greater than in LSG patients, while procedure length was significantly shorter for OAGB than LSG (81.4 vs. 92.1 min, p-value < 0.001). Additionally, mean length of hospital stay was shorter in the OAGB group (3.4 vs. 4.5 days, p-value < 0.001). There were more severe complications (Clavien-Dindo ≥ 3a) in the LSG group (11.8% vs 2.7%, p-value = 0.005).

Conclusion

In this retrospective analysis, OAGB was superior to LSG in terms of weight loss in SSO patients. Procedure length and hospital stay were shorter after OAGB in comparison to LSG and there were fewer severe complications. OAGB can therefore be regarded a safe and effective treatment modality for SSO patients.
Imaging diagnosis of autoimmune pancreatitis: computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Ogawa Hiroshi , Takehara Yasuo , Naganawa Shinji
Published: October 2021

Autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is a pancreatic phenotype of IgG4-related systemic disease. Since its first description in the literature, characteristic imaging features have gradually become known to many clinicians encompassing various specialties in the past quarter century. CT and MRI have been the workhorses for imaging diagnosis of AIP. Typical features include sausage-like swelling of the focal or entire pancreas, duct-penetrating sign, a capsule-like rim of the affected lesions, and homogeneous delayed enhancement or enhanced duct sign after contrast administration, as well as characteristic combined findings reflecting coexisting pathologies in the other organs as a systemic disease. In this review, recent and future developments in CT and MRI that may help diagnose AIP are discussed, including restricted diffusion and perfusion and increased elasticity measured using MR.
Structural performance of automated multi-depth shuttle warehouses (AMSWs) under low-to-moderate seismic actions
Authors: Kondratenko Aleksei , Kanyilmaz Alper , Castiglioni Carlo Andrea , Morelli Francesco , Kohrangi Mohsen
Published: October 2021

Automated Multi-Depth Shuttle Warehouses (AMSWs) are compact storage systems that provide a large surface occupation and therefore maximum storage density. AMSWs represent the future of storage technology, providing substantial savings in terms of cost, space, and energy with respect to traditional warehouses. Currently, designers refer to the standard building codes for the seismic design of AMSWs. Since structural characteristics of AMSWs are considerably different from the steel structures of typical buildings, this current approach used by designers is questionable in terms of safety and efficiency. In this article, the behavior of 5 AMSW structures has been studied performing 150 time-history analyses by direct integration including P-Delta effects. Demand/capacity ratios calculated for each element showed the dominance of the brittle failure mechanism in AMSWs subjected to low-to-moderate seismic actions. These mechanisms mainly took place in upright columns and their base connections prior to the activation of ductile energy dissipation mechanisms of the structure. Based on the results, further improvements have been recommended for the future design provisions, which may lead to a safer seismic design of AMSWs.
Brouwer’s satellite solution redux
Authors: Lara Martin
Published: October 2021

Brouwer’s solution to the artificial satellite problem is revisited. We show that the complete Hamiltonian reduction is rather achieved in the plain Poincaré’s style, through a single canonical transformation, than using a sequence of partial reductions based on von Zeipel’s alternative for dealing with perturbed degenerate Hamiltonian systems. Beyond the theoretical interest of the new approach as regards the complete reduction of perturbed Keplerian motion, we also show that a solution based on a single set of corrections may yield computational benefits in the implementation of an analytic orbit propagator.
A Joint-space Position Control-based Approach to Haptic Rendering of Stiff Objects using Gain Scheduling
Authors: Wang Yang , Feng Lei , Andersson Kjell
Published: October 2021

Haptic rendering often deals with interactions between stiff objects. A traditional way of force computing models the interaction using a spring-damper system, which suffers from stability issues when the desired stiffness is high. Instead of computing a force, this paper continues to explore shifting the focus to rendering an interaction with no penetration, which can be accomplished by using a position controller in the joint space using the encoders as feedback directly. In order to make this approach easily adaptable to any device, an alternative way to model the dynamics of the device is also presented, which is to linearize a detailed simulation model. As a family of linearized models is used to approximate the full dynamic model of the system, it is important to have a smooth transition between multiple sets of controller gains generated based on these models. Gain scheduling is introduced to improve the performance in certain areas and a comparison among three controllers is conducted in a simulation setup.
Antibacterial activity, bio-compatibility and osteogenic differentiation of graphene oxide coating on 3D-network poly-ether-ether-ketone for orthopaedic implants
Authors: Guo Cui , Lu Ran , Wang Xin , Chen Su
Published: October 2021

Poly-ether-ether-ketone (PEEK) has attracted increasing attention as a promising orthopaedic implant material owing to its excellent mechanical properties and biocompatibility. However, its antibacterial properties must be improved as an implant material. In this study, PEEK was sulfonated to obtain a porous surface, and graphene oxide (GO) was deposited to form a coating with antibacterial activity and biocompatibility. After PEEK was sulfonated for different durations, GO was deposited on the surface to prepare the coating (SPEEK-GO), which was then characterised using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman spectroscopy, and contact angle measurements. The in vitro study included antimicrobial and cellular tests. The results showed that the PEEK sulfonated using a 10-min treatment exhibited a uniform porous structure and provided a better basal surface for the deposition of GO. The SPEEK-GO coating displayed strong antibacterial activity against two common dental pathogens. It exhibited good adhesion and proliferation of MC3T3-E1. Moreover, it showed osteogenic differentiation as bone implant material.
Semantics Processing of Conditional Connectives: German wenn ‘if’ Versus nur wenn ‘only if’
Authors: Liu Mingya , Barthel Mathias
Published: October 2021

In this paper, the meaning and processing of the German conditional connectives (CCs) such aswenn‘if’ andnur wenn‘only if’ are investigated. In Experiment 1, participants read short scenarios containing a conditional sentence (i.e., If P, Q.) withwenn/nur wenn‘if/only if’ and a confirmed or negated antecedent (i.e., P/not-P), and subsequently completed the final sentence about Q (with or without negation). In Experiment 2, participants rated the truth or falsity of the consequent Q after reading a conditional sentence withwennornur wennand a confirmed or negated antecedent (i.e., If P, Q. P/not-P. // Therefore, Q?). Both experiments showed that neitherwennnornur wennwere interpreted as biconditional CCs. Modus Ponens (If P, Q. P. // Therefore, Q) was validated forwenn, whereas it was not validated in the case ofnur wenn. While Denial of the Antecedent (If P, Q. not-P. // Therefore, not-Q.) was validated in the case ofnur wenn, it was not validated forwenn. The same method was used to testwennvs.unter der Bedingung, dass‘on condition that’ in Experiment 3, andwennvs.vorausgesetzt, dass‘provided that’ in Experiment 4. Experiment 5, using Affirmation of the Consequent (If P, Q. Q. // Therefore, P.) to testwennvs.nur wennreplicated the results of Experiment 2. Taken together, the results show that in German,unter der Bedingung, dassis the most likely candidate of biconditional CCs whereas all others are not biconditional. The findings, in particular ofnur wennnot being semantically biconditional, are discussed based on available formal analyses of conditionals.
Concentration Inequalities on the Multislice and for Sampling Without Replacement
Authors: Sambale Holger , Sinulis Arthur
Published: October 2021

We present concentration inequalities on the multislice which are based on (modified) log-Sobolev inequalities. This includes bounds for convex functions and multilinear polynomials. As an application, we show concentration results for the triangle count in the G(n, M) Erdős–Rényi model resembling known bounds in the G(n, p) case. Moreover, we give a proof of Talagrand’s convex distance inequality for the multislice. Interpreting the multislice in a sampling without replacement context, we furthermore present concentration results for n out of N sampling without replacement. Based on a bounded difference inequality involving the finite-sampling correction factor $$1 - (n / N)$$

1
-
(
n
/
N
)

, we present an easy proof of Serfling’s inequality with a slightly worse factor in the exponent, as well as a sub-Gaussian right tail for the Kolmogorov distance between the empirical measure and the true distribution of the sample.
Masks, Mingling and Magic: Gibberish Law in the Age of Covid
Authors: Ward Ian
Published: October 2021

The experience of Covid-19 has taught us many things, not least the consequence of what John Milton termed ‘gibberish law’. Law drafted amidst the ‘throng and noises of irrational men’. The closer purpose of this article is the attempt to regulate ‘gatherings’ during the coronavirus pandemic, including the re-invention of a bespoke crime of ‘mingling’. A jurisprudential curiosity which, it will be suggested, is symptomatic of a broader malaise. An assault on the integrity of the rule of law which is only too familiar; much, it might be said, like the arrival of a pandemic. The first part of the article will revisit three particular gatherings, in part to debunk the myth of the unprecedented. But also to introduce some themes, literal and figurative, of masking and muddle. The conjuring of what Shakespeare called ‘rough magic’. The second part of the article will then take a closer look at the jurisprudential consequence of this conjuration. The final part will venture some larger concerns, about the crisis of parliamentary democracy in the ‘age of Covid’.
High doses of dexamethasone induce endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated apoptosis by promoting calcium ion influx-dependent CHOP expression in osteoblasts
Authors: Guo Yunshan , Hao Dingjun , Hu Huimin
Published: October 2021

Background

The long-term use of dexamethasone (Dex), a well-known immunosuppressant, leads to an imbalance in bone metabolism and rapid decline of bone mineral density due to apoptosis of osteoblasts. The molecular mechanisms by which Dex induces osteoblast apoptosis remain unclear.

Materials and methods

MC3T3-E1 cells were treated with 0, 10−8, 10−6, and 10−4 M Dex for 24 h. ATF6, phosphorylated PERK, PERK, phosphorylated IRE1, and IRE1 expression, cell apoptosis, and caspase-12 and caspase-3 activity were measured. CHOP expression and calcium ion influx rate were measured in cells treated with 0 and 10−4 M Dex for 24 h. The effect of 2-APB treatment was assessed in cells treated with 0 or 10−4 M Dex.

Results

Levels of ATF6 and phosphorylated PERK and IRE1 increased in a dose-dependent manner in MC3T3-E1 cells treated with 10−8, 10−6, and 10−4 M Dex, compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Cells treated with 10−6 and 10−4 M Dex had significantly increased apoptotic rates and caspase-12 and caspase-3 activities (P < 0.05). Cells treated with 10−4 M Dex had significantly increased CHOP levels and calcium ion influx rates (P < 0.05). Combined treatment with 10−4 M Dex and 2-APB abrogated the observed increases in cell apoptosis and caspase-12 and caspase-3 activities (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

High doses of Dex induce CHOP expression by promoting calcium ion influx-dependent induction of ATF6, phosphorylated PERK and phosphorylated IRE1, which induce endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated apoptosis in osteoblasts. 2-APB protects the osteoblasts from the effects of Dex, preventing endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated apoptosis.
Herencia medieval y neologismo en el léxico cromático de textos historiográficos en el siglo de Oro según el Corpus diacrónico del español
Authors: Cáceres-Lorenzo María-Teresa
Published: October 2021

The main objective of this investigation is to examine with textual support the use of the vocabulary of color during the Golden Period through the investigation that it is a medieval heritage or a neologism. This chromatic terminology was little used during the thirteenth century and in the following centuries its use is multiplied by the communication needs of a society that demands descriptive information on many social, cultural and economic issues, as happens with historiographic documents. To this end, a quantitative investigation has been designed in three phases: (a) search for chromatic voices that designate six selected colors; (b) determination of the first documentation of this group of voices; and (c) quantitative analysis to find a trend regarding the silver duality. For the search of these empirical references, the Diachronic Corpus of Spanish has been used as a data bank to collect textual examples on the chromatic vocabulary extracted from different historiographic sources. The result is the presentation of 100 terms with their respective empirical testimonies that reflect the continuity of the medieval heritage in the colors white, black and red, while formal neologisms are very frequent for the rest.
The Long Road to Shared PCK: a Science Teacher’s Personal Journey
Authors: Vázquez-Bernal Bartolomé , Mellado Vicente , Jiménez-Pérez Roque
Published: October 2021

Teachers’ development can be seen as a dialog between their reflective thinking and their actions, with an added gradient of complexity from their social interactions. All of these elements are conjugated within their classroom practice, with their Pedagogical Content Knowledge (PCK) as theoretical background. This paper analyzes the case of a secondary education science teacher’s development over different periods, with a focus on classroom atmosphere, social organization and problem-based interactions, the influence of the topic being taught, and the teacher’s participation in an Action-Research group. The sources of information included the teacher’s diaries, questionnaires, interviews, ethnographic records, and extracts from videotaped sessions of her lessons. The data analysis for the areas of reflection and of action was approached with methodological plurality. Although these two fields of study (reflection and action) share essential aspects, they presented subtle differences, with reflection being more fully developed than action in the classroom, and the contribution of the Action-Research group to the teacher’s development was important, but less so than her professional command of the content. Two underlying obstacles deeply rooted in the teacher’s thinking and actions impregnate her classroom interactions: classroom competitiveness, and the use of excessively rigid activities.
Estimating the Impact of Covid-19 and Policy Responses on Australian Income Distribution Using Incomplete Data
Authors: Li Jinjing , Vidyattama Yogi , La Hai Anh , Miranti Riyana , Sologon Denisa M.
Published: October 2021

This paper undertakes a near real-time analysis of the income distribution effects of the Covid-19 crisis in Australia to understand the ongoing changes in the income distribution as well as the impact of policy responses. By semi-parametrically combining incomplete observed data from three different sources–the monthly Longitudinal Labour Force Survey, the Survey of Income and Housing and administrative payroll data–we estimate the impact of Covid-19 on the Australian income distribution and decompose its impact into the income shock effect and the policy effect between February and June 2020, covering the immediate periods before and after the initial Covid-19 outbreak. Our results suggest that, despite growth in unemployment, the Gini coefficient of equivalised household disposable income dropped by more than 0.02 points between February and June 2020. This reduction is due to the additional wage subsidies and welfare supports offered as part of the policy response, offsetting the increase in income inequality from the income shock effect. The results shows the effectiveness of temporary policy measures both in maintaining living standards and avoiding increases in income inequality. However, the heavy reliance on the support measures shown in the modelling raises the possibility that the changes in the income distribution may be reversed, or even that inequality and living standards could substantially worsen once the measures are withdrawn.
The Emirates Mars Ultraviolet Spectrometer (EMUS) for the EMM Mission
Authors: Holsclaw Gregory M. , Deighan Justin , Almatroushi Hessa , Chaffin Mike , Correira John , Evans J. Scott , Fillingim Matthew , Hoskins Alan , Jain Sonal K. , Lillis Robert , Lootah Fatma Hussain , McPhate Jason B. , Siegmund Oswald H. W. , Soufli Regina , Tyagi Kush
Published: October 2021

The Emirates Mars Mission (EMM) Hope probe was launched on 20 July 2020 at 01:58 GST (Gulf Standard Time) and entered orbit around Mars on 9 Feb 2021 at 19:42 GST. The high-altitude orbit (19,970 km periapse, 42,650 km apoapse altitude, 25° inclination) with a 54.5 hour period enables a unique, synoptic, and nearly-continuous monitor of the Mars global climate. The Emirates Mars Ultraviolet Spectrometer (EMUS), one of three remote sensing instruments carried by Hope, is an imaging ultraviolet spectrograph, designed to investigate how conditions throughout the Mars atmosphere affect rates of atmospheric escape, and how key constituents in the exosphere behave temporally and spatially. EMUS will target two broad regions of the Mars upper atmosphere: 1) the thermosphere (100–200 km altitude), observing UV dayglow emissions from hydrogen (102.6, 121.6 nm), oxygen (130.4, 135.6 nm), and carbon monoxide (140–170 nm) and 2) the exosphere (above 200 km altitude), observing bound and escaping hydrogen (121.6 nm) and oxygen (130.4 nm).

EMUS achieves high sensitivity across a wavelength range of 100–170 nm in a single optical channel by employing “area-division” or “split” coatings of silicon carbide (SiC) and aluminum magnesium fluoride (Al+MgF2) on each of its two optical elements. The EMUS detector consists of an open-face (windowless) microchannel plate (MCP) stack with a cesium iodide (CsI) photocathode and a photon-counting, cross-delay line (XDL) anode that enables spectral-spatial imaging. A single spherical telescope mirror with a 150 mm focal length provides a 10.75° field of view along two science entrance slits, selectable with a rotational mechanism. The high and low resolution (HR, LR) slits have angular widths of 0.18° and 0.25° and spectral widths of 1.3 nm and 1.8 nm, respectively. The spectrograph uses a Rowland circle design, with a toroidally-figured diffraction grating with a laminar groove profile and a ruling density of 936 gr mm−1 providing a reciprocal linear dispersion of 2.65 nm mm−1. The total instrument mass is 22.3 kg, and the orbit-average power is less than 15 W.
Influence of Elevated Temperature and Pressure on Treatment of Landfill Leachate by Potassium Ferrate(VI)
Authors: Thomas Maciej , Drzewicz Przemysław , Więckol-Ryk Angelika , Panneerselvam Balamurugan
Published: October 2021

The significant problem is the treatment of landfill leachate characterized by high chemical oxygen demand (COD) and total organic carbon (TOC) and presence of biodegradation inhibitors such as heavy metals and oily substances. For the case of landfill leachate (pH 7.9, color 1550 mg Pt/L, COD 1880 mg O2/L, TOC 620 mg/L, total nitrogen (TN) 220 mg/L, total phosphorus (TP) 6 mg/L and heavy metals), the effect of elevated pressure and temperature on the decrease COD value by potassium ferrate(VI) (K2FeO4) was investigated. Taguchi method (TM) was employed for optimizing the treatment process parameters (repetition, pH, K2FeO4 concentration, time, temperature, and pressure). Maximizing the criterion function of signal-to-noise (S/N), the optimal parameters were determined: pH 3.5, K2FeO4 2.0 g/L, time 45 min, temperature 30 °C, and pressure of 1 MPa. At optimal conditions, a decrease of color, COD, TOC, and TP was above 91%. Additionally, the decrease of TN was 48.2%. Comparatively, at atmospheric pressure (0.1013 MPa) and at 19 °C, the decrease of color, COD, TOC, TP, and TN was 99.9%, 83.0%, 79.0%, 19.1%, and 100%, respectively. Addition of potassium ferrate(VI) may improve organic compound removal and decreases energy consumption in subcritical water oxidation.

Graphical abstract
Automatic, global registration in laparoscopic liver surgery
Authors: Koo Bongjin , Robu Maria R. , Allam Moustafa , Pfeiffer Micha , Thompson Stephen , Gurusamy Kurinchi , Davidson Brian , Speidel Stefanie , Hawkes David , Stoyanov Danail , Clarkson Matthew J.
Published: October 2021

Purpose

The initial registration of a 3D pre-operative CT model to a 2D laparoscopic video image in augmented reality systems for liver surgery needs to be fast, intuitive to perform and with minimal interruptions to the surgical intervention. Several recent methods have focussed on using easily recognisable landmarks across modalities. However, these methods still need manual annotation or manual alignment. We propose a novel, fully automatic pipeline for 3D–2D global registration in laparoscopic liver interventions.

Methods

Firstly, we train a fully convolutional network for the semantic detection of liver contours in laparoscopic images. Secondly, we propose a novel contour-based global registration algorithm to estimate the camera pose without any manual input during surgery. The contours used are the anterior ridge and the silhouette of the liver.

Results

We show excellent generalisation of the semantic contour detection on test data from 8 clinical cases. In quantitative experiments, the proposed contour-based registration can successfully estimate a global alignment with as little as 30% of the liver surface, a visibility ratio which is characteristic of laparoscopic interventions. Moreover, the proposed pipeline showed very promising results in clinical data from 5 laparoscopic interventions.

Conclusions

Our proposed automatic global registration could make augmented reality systems more intuitive and usable for surgeons and easier to translate to operating rooms. Yet, as the liver is deformed significantly during surgery, it will be very beneficial to incorporate deformation into our method for more accurate registration.
Self-Consistent Cathode–Plasma Coupling and Role of the Fluid Flow Approach in Torch Modeling
Authors: Baeva Margarita , Zhu Tao , Kewitz Thorben , Testrich Holger , Foest Rüdiger
Published: October 2021

A two-dimensional and stationary magnetohydrodynamic model of a plasma spray torch operated with argon is developed to predict the plasma properties in a steady operating mode. The model couples a submodel of a refractory cathode and its non-equilibrium boundary layer to a submodel of the plasma in local thermodynamic equilibrium in a self-consistent manner. The Navier–Stokes equations for a laminar and compressible flow are solved in terms of low and high Mach number numerical approaches. The results show that the Mach number can reach values close to one. Simulations are performed for electric currents of 600 A and 800 A, and gas flow rates of 40, 60, and 80 NLPM. The plasma parameters obtained by the two approaches differ, and the differences become more pronounced for higher currents and gas flow rates. The arc voltage, the electric power, and the thermal efficiency from both the low and high Mach number models of the plasma agree well with experimental findings for a current of 600 A and a flow rate of 40 NLPM. For higher currents and gas flow rates, the results of the low and high Mach number models gradually differ and underline the greater appropriateness of the high Mach number model.
X-ray Computed Tomography Studies on Porosity Distribution in Vacuum Induction Cast Al-7Si Alloys
Authors: Mathew James , Williams Mark A. , Srirangam Prakash
Published: October 2021

Porosity in aluminum alloys is a great concern to the casting and automotive industry. In this publication, porosity formation in air-melted and vacuum induction melted (VIM) aluminum alloys was studied and compared to understand its effect on microstructure and mechanical properties of Al-7Si alloys. Al-7Si alloys were cast at 700°C and 900°C in a muffle furnace and VIM furnace. Microstructural results show that the alloys cast in muffle furnace refined the eutectic silicon compared with the cast samples prepared in VIM furnace. X-ray computed tomography (XCT) was used for three-dimensional (3D) visualization and quantification of porosity in these alloys. The volume fraction of pores was observed to be higher in alloy air-melted at 900°C compared with 700°C. XCT results from VIM alloy samples showed no significant porosity when cast at either 700°C or 900°C. The morphology of large pores in alloys air-melted at 700°C represents the formation of shrinkage porosity due to the incomplete flow of molten metal during solidification. Tensile test results show that the elongation property of VIM alloy was increased by more than 20% compared with air-melted alloy. The tensile strength and elongation were observed to be higher for alloy samples cast at 700°C compared with 900°C for both air-melted and VIM alloys. The findings from microstructure, XCT, and tensile tests show that vacuum induction melting improves the mechanical properties of the alloy compared with air-melted alloy.
ASCO 2021—an update on metastastic colorectal cancer
Authors: Weiss Lukas
Published: October 2021

The 2021 ASCO Annual Meeting provided updates on novel therapies in rare subgroups of metastatic colorectal cancer, such as immunotherapy in microsatellite instable colorectal cancer and antibody–drug conjugate therapy in HER2-positive disease. Furthermore, the concept of anti-EGFR rechallenge therapy has received additional momentum with data from the CHRONOS trial in regard to treating patients in later lines as well as how to integrate analysis of circulating tumor DNA in clinical decision-making.
spaceNtime: an R package for estimating abundance of unmarked animals using camera-trap photographs
Authors: Moeller Anna K. , Lukacs Paul M.
Published: October 2021

The space to event (STE), time to event (TTE), and instantaneous sampling (IS) methods were developed to estimate abundance of unmarked animals from camera trap images (Moeller et al. in Ecosphere 9(8):e02331, 2018). The space and time to event models use camera data in a different way than other abundance estimation methods do. Instead of using counts of animals over independent events, STE uses a measure of sampled space before the first detection of the target species, and TTE uses the time until the first detection. We introduce , a free and open-source R package designed to assist in the implementation of the STE and TTE models, along with the IS estimator. This package takes the user through the steps of transforming data, defining sampling effort, selecting sampling occasions, building encounter histories, and estimating abundance from camera data using these three methods. The package is designed for users with a baseline level of knowledge of R and statistics, without requiring expertise in either.