bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A review of advances in the detection of sulfur mustard based fluorescence
Authors: Ma Bin , Gao Shi , Xu Yong , Zuo Guomin , Wang Xuefeng
Published: March 2021

Sulfur mustard is a vesicant through alkylating that have a garlic-like odor. As extreme toxicity, there has an increased demand to develop effective systems for the detection of sulfur mustard. This review described the research progress of chemical sensors based on fluorophore for the detection of sulfur mustard and its mimic. Focusing on current developments in fluorescence approaches has been used for detection of sulfur mustard, especially approach offers rapid, low limitation, low-cost, real-time and on-site visual detection capability.
The Calculation and Model Block Diagram of the Surface Cd Content of Haibo River from Land Sources
Authors: Yang Dongfang , Zhang Longlei , Wang Qi , Ling Weifeng , Li Haixia
Published: March 2021

Applying the survey data of the Cd content in the water of Jiaozhou Bay in October 1992, from the southern waters of the bay mouth to the southeastern waters, the author calculates out the horizontal loss amount, the vertical disputed amount and the vertical sediment amount of the Cd content in the surface and bottom of the water body and determines the model block diagram of the horizontal and vertical changes of Cd content, based on the content changing models of the horizontal matter and the vertical matter proposed by the author himself. The calculation results show that in October, the absolutely horizontal increase amount of Cd content in the surface and bottom layer is 0.12-0.89μg/L, and the relatively horizontal increase amount of Cd content in the surface and bottom layer is 23.52-74.78%. In the southern waters of the bay mouth, the Cd content in the surface and bottom layer has an absolutely vertical disputed amount of 0.09μg/L, and its relatively vertical disputed amount is 23.07%. In the southeastern waters of the bay, the Cd content in the surface and bottom layer has an absolutely vertical sediment amount of 0.68μg/L, and its relatively vertical sediment amount is 57.14%. There is the Haibo River near the southeastern waters of Jiaozhou Bay. In October, the Cd content of the Haibo River is 0.51μg/L, which is higher than the Cd content of 0.39μg/L carried by ocean currents. It provides a lot of supplements to the ocean currents passing the southeastern waters of the bay. During the horizontal migration of the Cd content in the surface and bottom layer, Haibo River supplements the Cd content in the ocean current with the loss and increase of the surface and bottom layer. Through the horizontal changing model of matter content, the horizontal increase of the surface Cd content is calculated. The absolute increase of the Cd content is 0.12μg/L, and the relative increase is 23.52%. Similarly, the horizontal increase of Cd content in the bottom layer is calculated. The absolute increase of Cd content is 0.89μg/L, and the relative increase is 74.78%. During the vertical migration process, the vertical change of the Cd content in the southern waters of the bay mouth and the southeastern waters of the bay reveals the following law: when the surface Cd content is low, the waters present a vertical dilution of the Cd content at the surface and bottom layer, and there is no Cd content accumulation on the seafloor. When the Cd content in the surface layers is high, the waters present a vertical accumulation of Cd content in the surface and bottom layers, and there is an accumulation of Cd content on the seafloor. According to the formula for calculating the Cd content of river sources proposed by author himself, the Cd content of the surface of Haibo River source from land is calculated to be 1.01 μg/L.
Green Transshipment System at Freight Port Scheme Based on Unmanned Fleet
Authors: Yang Wenbo , Wu Zhouting , Wu Menglin , Chen Danni , Zhu Rongxiao
Published: March 2021

Presently, developed countries such as Japan and the United States have set about building unmanned fleets, while China is still in the initial stage[1]. In terms of hydrogen production from wind power, European countries like Britain and Germany have begun their trials on offshore wind power. By contrast, China has just launched the first industrial test project on onshore wind power hydrogen production in Guyuan, Hebei province with the offshore wind power hydrogen production technology at a developmental stage. Ad hoc network technology has been mature in the application of low-speed and small-range Internet of things, but that in the high-speed and large-range is under preliminary test.
Risk control analysis of safety accident in Hydrogen refueling station based on PHAST software
Authors: Wang Xiaotong , Ma Xiaoxue
Published: March 2021

This paper uses PHAST software to simulate the hydrogen diffusion distance, explosion and jet fire radiation safety distance of hydrogen refueling station under certain conditions. Comparing the code data and the PHAST simulation results, in special circumstances such as high wind speeds and densely populated areas, it is necessary to increase the distance from the crowd gathering place on the basis of the existing code data, and explain the measures taken by the hydrogen refueling station to prevent leakage accident risks.
Research on sludge concentration detection based on image processing
Authors: Zhang Hua
Published: March 2021

Sludge concentration is an important indicator of water quality. Based on the different light reflection characteristics of water and sludge, this paper studies the detection of sludge concentration using image processing technology. Combined with MATLAB tools, this paper uses the probability based illumination nonuniformity correction algorithm and adaptive fuzzy threshold segmentation algorithm to simulate and analyze the sewage image, extract the area characteristics and calculate the sludge concentration. At the same time, compared with the real value, it is concluded that the image processing technology can accurately detect the sludge concentration, which lays the foundation for the solid-liquid separation research.
Safety risks and Countermeasures of Chemical Industry Park in Jiangsu Province
Authors: Wu Fei , Zhu Guiming , Yu Yinglei , Sun Jiajia
Published: March 2021

This paper introduced the basic situation and layout of Chemical Industry Park (concentration) in Jiangsu Province. There are some problems in the park: Due to the relevant planning of chemical industry park is proposed in recent years, part of the park planning is missing, and the planning at all levels is not coordinated; Due to the early site selection and construction of some parks, the lack of overall planning, the problems of planning red line crossing enterprises and residential areas in the park, and the imperfect infrastructure construction of the park; due to the authority of examination and approval for the establishment of institutions and personnel in the park, the responsibilities of some institutions in the park are not clear, and the number of professional supervisors is insufficient; In view of the problems existing in the park, this paper puts forward relevant countermeasures and suggestions from the aspects of the integrity of the park planning, the rationality of the location and layout, the compliance of the organization and personnel, and the importance of the park infrastructure.
Bioinspired synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles by using leaf extract of Solanum lycopersicum L. for larvicidal activity of Aedes aegypti L.
Authors: B R Nityasree , Chalannavar Raju Krishna , Kouser Sabia , M S Divakar , Gani Ramesh Sabu , K Sowmyashree , Malabadi Ravindra B
Published: March 2021

Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus are the key transmitters of varied life-threatening arbovirus diseases; overuse of synthetic chemicals to target vector-borne diseases has an adverse impact on the environment. Biological agents have proven to be an alternative source to synthetic agents for controlling mosquitoes. In this context, the present study investigated the biosynthesis of ZnO NPs using Solanum lycopersicum leaf extract under the influence of solution combustion synthesis method and assessment of its larvicidal efficacy against Aedes aegypti. Synthesised ZnO NPs were characterised by using UV–vis, FTIR, SEM, EDX and XRD. The physicochemical parameter confirmed the synthesised nanoparticles were highly pure. The UV spectrum showed a strong peak at 352 nm corresponding to bandgap energy 3.01 eV. The SEM indicates the particles were rod-like structures. Further, the EDX analysis primarily confirms the zinc and oxygen without any impurities. The XRD data shows the crystallite size of ZnO Nps was of 40.93 nm. Finally, the aqueous leaf extract and ZnO NPs showed significant (p < 0.05) larvicidal activity at 48 h. However, ZnO NPs revealed high larvicidal effect compared to aqueous extract. From the results, it can be concluded that the bioactive constituents present within the plant extract act as capping and reducing agents for the successful ZnO NPs synthesis and could be used for controlling mosquito vector Ae. aegypti.
Analysis of the shifted boundary method for the Poisson problem in domains with corners
Authors: Atallah Nabil , Canuto Claudio , Scovazzi Guglielmo
Published: March 2021

The shifted boundary method (SBM) is an approximate domain method for boundary value problems, in the broader class of unfitted/embedded/immersed methods. It has proven to be quite efficient in handling problems with complex geometries, ranging from Poisson to Darcy, from Navier-Stokes to elasticity and beyond. The key feature of the SBM is a shift in the location where Dirichlet boundary conditions are applied—from the true to a surrogate boundary—and an appropriate modification (again, a shift) of the value of the boundary conditions, in order to reduce the consistency error. In this paper we provide a sound analysis of the method in smooth domains and in domains with corners, highlighting the influence of geometry and distance between exact and surrogate boundaries upon the convergence rate. We consider the Poisson problem with Dirichlet boundary conditions as a model and we first detail a procedure to obtain the crucial shifting between the surrogate and the true boundaries. Next, we give a sufficient condition for the well-posedness and stability of the discrete problem. The behavior of the consistency error arising from shifting the boundary conditions is thoroughly analyzed, for smooth boundaries and for boundaries with corners and edges. The convergence rate is proven to be optimal in the energy norm, and is further enhanced in the

L
2

L^2

-norm.
Minimal value set polynomials over fields of size 𝑝³
Authors: Borges Herivelto , Reis Lucas
Published: March 2021

For any prime number

p
p

, and integer

k
⩾
1

k\geqslant 1

, let

F

p
k

\mathbb {F}_{p^k}

be the finite field of

p
k

p^k

elements. A famous problem in the theory of polynomials over finite fields is the characterization of all nonconstant polynomials

F
∈

F

p
k

[
x
]

F\in \mathbb {F}_{p^k}[x]

for which the value set

{
F
(
α
)
:
α
∈

F

p
k

}

\{F(\alpha ): \alpha \in \mathbb {F}_{p^k}\}

has the minimum possible size

⌊
(

p
k

−
1
)

/

deg
⁡
F
⌋

+
1

\left \lfloor (p^k-1)/\deg F \right \rfloor +1

. For

k
⩽
2

k\leqslant 2

, the problem was solved in the early 1960s by Carlitz, Lewis, Mills, and Straus. This paper solves the problem for

k
=
3

k=3

.
The sum of Lagrange numbers
Authors: Gaster Jonah , Loustau Brice
Published: March 2021

Combining McShane’s identity on a hyperbolic punctured torus with well-known geometric interpretations of the Markov Uniqueness Conjecture (MUC), we find that MUC is equivalent to the identity

∑

n
=
1

∞

(
3
−

L
n

)

=

4
−
φ
−

2

,

\begin{equation*} \sum _{n=1}^\infty \, \left ( 3- L_n \right ) \, = \, 4 - \varphi - \sqrt 2, \end{equation*}

where

L
n

L_n

is the

n
n

th Lagrange number and

φ
=

1
+

5

2

\varphi =\frac {1+\sqrt 5}2

is the golden ratio.
Algorithms for subelliptic multipliers in ℂ²
Authors: Fassina Martino
Published: March 2021

We give examples of pseudoconvex domains of finite type in

C

2

\mathbb {C}^2

where the Kohn algorithm for subelliptic estimates fails to yield an effective lower bound for the order of subellipticity in terms of the type. We show how to modify the algorithm to obtain an effective procedure to prove subellipticity on domains of finite type in

C

2

\mathbb {C}^2

with real analytic boundary satisfying a condition slightly stronger than pseudoconvexity. We close with a generalization to higher dimensions.
Increased numbers of nucleoli in a genome-wide RNAi screen reveal proteins that link the cell cycle to RNA polymerase I transcription
Authors: Ogawa Lisa M. , Buhagiar Amber F. , Abriola Laura , Leland Bryan A. , Surovtseva Yulia V. , Baserga Susan J.
Published: March 2021

The nucleolus is a dynamic nuclear condensate and site of ribosome biogenesis. Using wide-field fluorescence microscopy, we screened for proteins that when depleted cause an increase in nucleolar number. Our results uncovered an unexpected subset of proteins that link the nucleolus, cell cycle regulation, and RNA polymerase I transcription.
Application of CRISPR screens to investigate mammalian cell competition
Authors: Paraskevopoulos Michail , McGuigan Alison P
Published: March 2021

Cell competition is defined as the context-dependent elimination of cells that is mediated by intercellular communication, such as paracrine or contact-dependent cell signaling, and/or mechanical stresses. It is considered to be a quality control mechanism that facilitates the removal of suboptimal cells from both adult and embryonic tissues. Cell competition, however, can also be hijacked by transformed cells to acquire a ‘super-competitor’ status and outcompete the normal epithelium to establish a precancerous field. To date, many genetic drivers of cell competition have been identified predominately through studies in Drosophila. Especially during the last couple of years, ethylmethanesulfonate-based genetic screens have been instrumental to our understanding of the molecular regulators behind some of the most common competition mechanisms in Drosophila, namely competition due to impaired ribosomal function (or anabolism) and mechanical sensitivity. Despite recent findings in Drosophila and in mammalian models of cell competition, the drivers of mammalian cell competition remain largely elusive. Since the discovery of CRISPR/Cas9, its use in functional genomics has been indispensable to uncover novel cancer vulnerabilities. We envision that CRISPR/Cas9 screens will enable systematic, genome-scale probing of mammalian cell competition to discover novel mutations that not only trigger cell competition but also identify novel molecular components that are essential for the recognition and elimination of less fit cells. In this review, we summarize recent contributions that further our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of cell competition by genetic screening in Drosophila, and provide our perspective on how similar and novel screening strategies made possible by whole-genome CRISPR/Cas9 screening can advance our understanding of mammalian cell competition in the future.
Integrative transcription start site identification with iTiSS
Authors: Jürges Christopher S , Dölken Lars , Erhard Florian
Published: March 2021

Many experimental approaches have been developed to identify transcription start sites (TSS) from genomic scale data. However, experiment specific biases lead to large numbers of false-positive calls. Here, we present our integrative approach iTiSS, which is an accurate and generic TSS caller for any TSS profiling experiment in eukaryotes, and substantially reduces the number of false positives by a joint analysis of several complementary datasets.

Availability and implementation

iTiSS is platform independent and implemented in Java (v1.8) and is freely available at https://www.erhard-lab.de/software and https://github.com/erhard-lab/iTiSS.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Case-Control Study of Individuals with Discrepant Nucleocapsid and Spike Protein SARS-CoV-2 IgG Results
Authors: Wang Hannah , Wiredja Danica , Yang Lu , Bulterys Philip L , Costales Cristina , Röltgen Katharina , Manalac Justin , Yee Jennifer , Zehnder James , Shi Run Zhang , Boyd Scott D , Pinsky Benjamin A
Published: March 2021

Background

Laboratory-based methods for SARS-CoV-2 antibody detection vary widely in performance. However, there are limited prospectively-collected data on assay performance, and minimal clinical information to guide interpretation of discrepant results.

Methods

Over a 2-week period, 1080 consecutive plasma samples submitted for clinical SARS-CoV-2 IgG testing were tested in parallel for anti-nucleocapsid IgG (anti-N, Abbott) and anti-spike IgG (anti-S1, EUROIMMUN). Chart review was conducted for samples testing positive or borderline on either assay, and for an age/sex-matched cohort of samples negative by both assays. CDC surveillance case definitions were used to determine clinical sensitivity/specificity and conduct receiver operating characteristics curve analysis.

Results

There were 52 samples positive by both methods, 2 positive for anti-N only, 34 positive for anti-S1 only, and 27 borderline for anti-S1. Of the 34 individuals positive for anti-S1 alone, 8 (24%) had confirmed COVID-19. No anti-S1 borderline cases were positive for anti-N or had confirmed/probable COVID-19. The anti-N assay was less sensitive (84.2% [95% CI 72.1-92.5%] vs 94.7% [95% CI 85.4-98.9%]) but more specific (99.2% [95% CI 95.5-100%] vs 86.9% [95% CI 79.6-92.3%]) than anti-S1. Abbott anti-N sensitivity could be improved to 96.5% with minimal effect on specificity if the index threshold was lowered from 1.4 to 0.6.

Conclusion

Real-world concordance between different serologic assays may be lower than previously described in retrospective studies. These findings have implications for the interpretation of SARS-CoV-2 IgG results, especially with the advent of spike antigen-targeted vaccination, as a subset of patients with true infection are anti-N negative and anti-S1 positive.
Deep Neural Network for Disease Detection in Rice Plant Using the Texture and Deep Features
Authors: Daniya T , Vigneshwari S
Published: March 2021

The diseases in plants pose a devastating impact on initiating safety in the production of food and they can lead to a reduction in the quantity and quality of agricultural products. In most cases, plant diseases lead to no grain harvest. Thus, an automatic diagnosis of plant disease is highly recommended for determining agricultural information. Several techniques are devised for plant disease detection wherein deep learning is preferred due to its effective performance. Novel deep learning is presented to spot disease from rice crop images. Here, the rice plant image undergoes pre-processing to remove noise and artifacts contained in the image. Then, the segmentation is performed with Segmentation Network (SegNet) to produce segments. The segments are further adapted for extracting statistical features, convolution neural network (CNN) features and texture features. These features are employed for plant disease detection wherein the deep recurrent neural network (Deep RNN) is utilized. The Deep RNN is trained with the proposed RideSpider Water Wave (RSW) algorithm. The proposed RSW is devised by integrating RWW in Spider monkey optimization. The proposed RWS-based Deep RNN provides superior performance with the highest accuracy of 90.5%, maximal sensitivity of 84.9% and maximal specificity of 95.2%.
Targeting angiotensin type-2 receptors located on pressor neurons in the nucleus of the solitary tract to relieve hypertension in mice
Authors: Mohammed Mazher , Johnson Dominique N , Wang Lei A , Harden Scott W , Sheng Wanhui , Spector Eliot A , Elsaafien Khalid , Bader Michael , Steckelings U Muscha , Scott Karen A , Frazier Charles J , Sumners Colin , Krause Eric G , de Kloet Annette D
Published: March 2021

Aims

These studies evaluate whether angiotensin type-2 receptors (AT2Rs) that are expressed on γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurons in the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) represent a novel endogenous blood pressure-lowering mechanism.

Methods and results

Experiments combined advanced genetic and neuroanatomical techniques, pharmacology, electrophysiology, and optogenetics in mice to define the structure and cardiovascular-related function of NTS neurons that contain AT2R. Using mice with Cre-recombinase directed to the AT2R gene, we discovered that optogenetic stimulation of AT2R-expressing neurons in the NTS increases GABA release and blood pressure. To evaluate the role of the receptor, per se, in cardiovascular regulation, we chronically delivered C21, a selective AT2R agonist, into the brains of normotensive mice and found that central AT2R activation reduces GABA-related gene expression and blunts the pressor responses induced by optogenetic excitation of NTS AT2R neurons. Next, using in situ hybridization, we found that the levels of Agtr2 mRNAs in GABAergic NTS neurons rise during experimentally induced hypertension, and we hypothesized that this increased expression may be exploited to ameliorate the disease. Consistent with this, final experiments revealed that central administration of C21 attenuates hypertension, an effect that is abolished in mice lacking AT2R in GABAergic NTS neurons.

Conclusion

These studies unveil novel hindbrain circuits that maintain arterial blood pressure, and reveal a specific population of AT2R that can be engaged to alleviate hypertension. The implication is that these discrete receptors may serve as an access point for activating an endogenous depressor circuit.
The effects of EU–Ukraine free trade agreement on the world’s sunflower complex
Authors: Baryshpolets Andrii , Devadoss Stephen
Published: March 2021

We analyse the effects of the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area between the European Union (EU) and Ukraine on the world’s sunflower complex markets. We develop a spatial equilibrium model that incorporates the vertical and horizontal links between the primary commodity (seeds) and two final by-products (oil and meal). Our empirical analysis covers eight regions—the leading producers and consumers in the sunflower complex. This agreement causes EU’s sunflower oil price to decrease by USD 17.42 per metric ton, benefiting EU’s consumers by USD 81.4 million. However, EU’s total net welfare decreases by USD 10.3 million, while Ukraine’s increases by USD 32.7 million.
Income-Related Inequalities in Informal Care: Evidence From the Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey in China
Authors: Wang Yixiao , Yang Wei , Avendano Mauricio
Published: March 2021

Objectives

This report aims to examine income-related inequalities in informal care among older people with functional limitations in China.

Methods

Data are drawn from the 2005, 2008, 2011, and 2014 waves of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey. Erreygers concentration index, concentration index, and horizontal inequity index are used to examine inequalities in informal care. A random effects model is then used to investigate the relationship between household income and informal care.

Results

There is no significant association between household income and the probability of receiving informal care. However, we observed a significant positive association between household income and hours of informal care received, indicating that those with higher household income receive more hours of informal care compared to those with lower household income. The degree of this inequality increases as the number of functional limitations increases.

Discussion

Lower household income is associated with lower intensity of informal care received, particularly for older people with more functional limitations. Policies are required to support low-income older people with more functional limitations.
Artistic households: the economics of creative work in seventeenth-century London
Authors: Birt Sarah
Published: March 2021

This article offers new insights into women’s occupational identities and the production of art in seventeenth-century London. The identification of a previously overlooked portraitist named Anne Wemyss (1633–98) shows that she was part of a much wider circle of artists and elite patrons active during this period. An exploration of the training afforded to a number of female Painter-Stainers’ Company apprentices that were connected to artistic households, followed by a micro-historical study of the gender division of labour in Mary Beale’s household studio, further credits women’s creative work in the wider economy.
Pathogenic alleles in microtubule, secretory granule and extracellular matrix-related genes in familial keratoconus
Authors: Shinde Vishal , Sobreira Nara , Wohler Elizabeth S , Maiti George , Hu Nan , Silvestri Giuliana , George Sonia , Jackson Jonathan , Chakravarti Aravinda , Willoughby Colin E , Chakravarti Shukti
Published: March 2021

Keratoconus is a common corneal defect with a complex genetic basis. By whole exome sequencing of affected members from 11 multiplex families of European ancestry, we identified 23 rare, heterozygous, potentially pathogenic variants in 8 genes. These include nonsynonymous single amino acid substitutions in HSPG2, EML6 and CENPF in two families each, and in NBEAL2, LRP1B, PIK3CG and MRGPRD in three families each; ITGAX had nonsynonymous single amino acid substitutions in two families and an indel with a base substitution producing a nonsense allele in the third family. Only HSPG2, EML6 and CENPF have been associated with ocular phenotypes previously. With the exception of MRGPRD and ITGAX, we detected the transcript and encoded protein of the remaining genes in the cornea and corneal cell cultures. Cultured stromal cells showed cytoplasmic punctate staining of NBEAL2, staining of the fibrillar cytoskeletal network by EML6, while CENPF localized to the basal body of primary cilia. We inhibited the expression of HSPG2, EML6, NBEAL2 and CENPF in stromal cell cultures and assayed for the expression of COL1A1 as a readout of corneal matrix production. An upregulation in COL1A1 after siRNA inhibition indicated their functional link to stromal cell biology. For ITGAX, encoding a leukocyte integrin, we assayed its level in the sera of 3 affected families compared with 10 unrelated controls to detect an increase in all affecteds. Our study identified genes that regulate the cytoskeleton, protein trafficking and secretion, barrier tissue function and response to injury and inflammation, as being relevant to keratoconus.
Flight Maneuver of a Damselfly with Phase Modulation of the Wings
Authors: Lai Yu-Hsiang , Ma Jui-Fu , Yang Jing-Tang
Published: March 2021

Synopsis 

We developed a numerical model for four-wing self-propulsion to calculate effectively the flight velocity generated with varied wing motions, which satisfactorily verified biological experiments. Through this self-propulsion model, we analyzed the flight velocity of a damselfly (Matrona cyanoptera) at varied phases. The results show that after phase modulation of the wings, the aerodynamic performance of the forewing (FW) is affected by the incoming flow and an effective angle of attack, whereas that of the hindwing (HW) is dominated by the vortex interaction and induced flow generated by the shed vortex of the FW. Cooperating with the flow interaction, in stable flight, the HW in the lead phase has a larger vertical velocity, whereas the FW in the lead phase has a larger horizontal velocity. Regarding the aerodynamic efficiency, the FW in the lead phase has greater horizontal efficiency, whereas the HW in the lead phase has greater vertical efficiency; the overall efficiency does not vary with the phase. This work interprets that a dragonfly adopts the HW in the lead phase to generate a larger lift, thus supporting the larger body weight, whereas a damselfly adopts the FW in the lead phase to have a greater forward velocity, which can supplement the lack of flapping frequency.
Assessing the collaboration and network additionality of innovation policies: a counterfactual approach to the French cluster policy
Authors: N’Ghauran Konan Alain , Autant-Bernard Corinne
Published: March 2021

Whereas most collaboration-based innovation policies aim at fostering efficient ecosystems of innovation, evaluations of the behavioral impact of such policies remain few and far between. Relying on external-to-the-policy network data to build a counterfactual approach, this article addresses three main evaluation issues: do cluster policies make firms more collaborative? Do they encourage local ties? Do they induce network additionality? Focusing on French data, our results suggest that cluster policies may have difficulty in increasing the centrality of agents within knowledge networks.
Sharing a Measure of Maximal Entropy in Polynomial Semigroups
Authors: Pakovich Fedor
Published: March 2021

Let $P_1,P_2,\dots , P_k$ be complex polynomials of degree at least two that are not simultaneously conjugate to monomials or to Chebyshev polynomials, and $S$ the semigroup under composition generated by $P_1,P_2,\dots , P_k$. We show that all elements of $S$ share a measure of maximal entropy if and only if the intersection of principal left ideals $SP_1\cap SP_2\cap \dots \cap SP_k$ is non-empty.
The Impact of Cryptocurrency Regulation on Trading Markets
Authors: Feinstein Brian D , Werbach Kevin
Published: March 2021

The meteoric growth of global cryptocurrency markets presents novel challenges to regulators. Some policymakers and scholars warn that regulation will cause trading activity to cross borders into less-regulated jurisdictions—or even smother a promising new financial asset class. Others believe regulatory actions will stimulate activity by providing clarity to market participants. Standing behind this disagreement is a debate about the desirability of either outcome. Some believe that governments should promote development of the cryptocurrency sector within their countries, while others view cryptocurrencies as conduits of illegality and fraud that should be restricted through strict regulation or even outright bans. Yet these debates have, to date, been conducted almost entirely without data concerning the effects of regulation on market activity. As a corrective, in this article we assembled original data on cryptocurrency regulations worldwide and used them to empirically examine movement in trading activity at a number of exchanges following key regulatory announcements. We found that a wide variety of models yielded almost entirely null results. From the creation of bespoke licensing regimes to targeted anti-money-laundering and anti-fraud enforcement actions, as well as many other categories of government activities, we found no systemic evidence that regulatory measures cause traders to flee, or enter into, the affected jurisdictions. These findings at last provide an empirical basis for regulatory decisions concerning cryptocurrency trading. Among other things, they call into question that capital flight or chilling effects should be a first-order concern.
Endometrial Cancer Risk in Women With Germline BRCA1 or BRCA2 Mutations: Multicenter Cohort Study
Authors: de Jonge Marthe M , de Kroon Cornelis D , Jenner Denise J , Oosting Jan , de Hullu Joanne A , Mourits Marian J E , Gómez Garcia Encarna B , Ausems Margreet G E M , Margriet Collée J , van Engelen Klaartje , van de Beek Irma ,   The Hebon Group, Smit Vincent T H B M , Rookus Matti A , de Bock Geertruida H , van Leeuwen Flora E , Bosse Tjalling , Dekkers Olaf M , van Asperen Christi J
Published: March 2021

Background

Endometrial cancer (EC) risk in BReast CAncer gene 1/2 (BRCA1/2) mutation carriers is uncertain; therefore, we assessed this in a large Dutch nationwide cohort study.

Methods

We selected 5980 BRCA1/2 (3788 BRCA1, 2151 gBRCA2, 41 both BRCA1/BRCA2) and 8451 non-BRCA1/2 mutation carriers from the Hereditary Breast and Ovarian cancer study, the Netherlands cohort. Follow-up started at the date of the nationwide Dutch Pathology Registry coverage (January 1, 1989) or at the age of 25 years (whichever came last) and ended at date of EC diagnosis, last follow-up, or death (whichever came first). EC risk in BRCA1/2 mutation carriers was compared with 1) the general population, estimating standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) based on Dutch population-based incidence rates; and 2) non-BRCA1/2 mutation carriers, using Cox-regression analyses, expressed as hazard ratio (HR). Statistical tests were 2-sided.

Results

Fifty-eight BRCA1/2 and 33 non-BRCA1/2 mutation carriers developed EC over 119 296 and 160 841 person-years, respectively (SIR = 2.83, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.18 to 3.65; and HR = 2.37, 95% CI = 1.53 to 3.69, respectively). gBRCA1 mutation carriers showed increased risks for EC overall (SIR = 3.51, 95% CI = 2.61 to 4.72; HR = 2.91, 95% CI = 1.83 to 4.66), serous-like EC (SIR = 12.64, 95% CI = 7.62 to 20.96; HR = 10.48, 95% CI = 2.95 to 37.20), endometrioid EC (SIR = 2.63, 95% CI = 1.80 to 3.83; HR = 2.01, 95% CI = 1.18 to 3.45), and TP53-mutated EC (HR = 15.71, 95% CI = 4.62 to 53.40). For BRCA2 mutation carriers, overall (SIR = 1.70, 95% CI = 1.01 to 2.87) and serous-like EC risks (SIR = 5.11, 95% CI = 1.92 to 13.63) were increased compared with the general population. Absolute risks by 75 years remained low (overall EC = 3.0%; serous-like EC = 1.1%).

Conclusions

BRCA1/2 mutation carriers have a two- to threefold increased risk for EC, with highest risk observed for the rare subgroups of serous-like and p53-abnormal EC in BRCA1 mutation carriers.
Delayed gastropleural fistula: a rare cause of a persistent pleural effusion after blunt force trauma
Authors: Chan Kin Yik , Keogh Shane , Aucharaz Nitin , Temperley Hugo , O’Driscoll James , Ravi Narayanasamy , Tormey Shona
Published: March 2021

A gastropleural fistula (GPF) is a rare pathological connection between the stomach and pleural cavity. Diagnosis and treatment are frequently delayed due to the lack of specific clinical, laboratory and radiological findings. We describe a case of a 53-year-old gentleman who presented to our institution with respiratory sepsis and a massive haemopneumothorax on imaging. Uniquely, he was discharged a week prior after a splenectomy for a traumatic fall. Gut flora in the pleural fluid and a subsequent positive dye test suggested an aero-digestive connection. Repeat imaging revealed a fistula between stomach and the left pleural cavity through a ruptured diaphragm. He underwent an open sleeve gastrectomy and primary repair of the diaphragm. This is the first GPF in literature presenting in such a fashion. Although rare, a persistent effusion with a history of blunt thoracoabdominal trauma may herald a GPF, which, if not diagnosed promptly, may result in significant morbidity.
Preoperative stenting in insulinoma located nearby pancreatic duct: a case report and literature review
Authors: Pindura Miroslav , Nosáková Lenka , Kyčina Roman , Vojtko Martin , Bánovčin Peter , Demeter Michal , Laca L'udovit
Published: March 2021

Insulinoma is a rare functional neuroendocrine tumor of pancreas. The only recommended treatment is surgical removal. We present a case of a 46-year-old female patient who underwent the enucleation of insulinoma localized nearby pancreatic main duct after preoperative endoscopic insertion of pancreatic stent. The tumor was safely identified during the surgery and was enucleated without injury of pancreatic duct or postoperative complications.
Classifying stars, galaxies, and AGNs in CLAUDS + HSC-SSP using gradient boosted decision trees
Authors: Golob Anneya , Sawicki Marcin , Goulding Andy D , Coupon Jean
Published: March 2021

Classifying catalogue objects as stars, galaxies, or active galactic nuclei (AGNs) is a crucial part of any statistical study of galaxies. We describe our pipeline for binary (star/galaxy) and multiclass (star/galaxy/Type I AGN/Type II AGN) classification developed for the very deep CLAUDS + HSC-SSP u*grizy data set. Our method uses the XGBoost implementation of gradient boosted trees (GBTs) to train ensembles of models that take photometry, colours, maximum surface brightnesses, and effective radii from all available bands as input, and output the probability that an object belongs to each of the classes under consideration. At iAB < 25 our binary star/galaxy model has AUC = 0.9974 and at the threshold that maximizes our sample’s weighted F1 score, selects a sample of galaxies with 99.7 per cent purity and 99.8 per cent completeness. We test the model’s ability to generalize to objects fainter than those seen during training and find that extrapolation of ∼1−2 mag is reasonable for most applications provided that the galaxies in the training sample are representative of the range of redshifts and colours of the galaxies in the target sample. We also perform an exploratory analysis of the method’s ability to identify AGNs using a small X-ray-selected sample and find that it holds promise for classifying Type I AGN, although it performs less well for Type II AGN. Our results demonstrate that GBTs provide a flexible, robust, and efficient method for performing classification of catalogue objects in large astronomical imaging surveys.
Multiwavelength mock galaxy catalogues of the low-redshift Universe
Authors: Paranjape Aseem , Choudhury Tirthankar Roy , Sheth Ravi K
Published: March 2021

We present a new suite of mock galaxy catalogues mimicking the low-redshift Universe, based on an updated halo occupation distribution (HOD) model and a scaling relation between optical properties and the neutral hydrogen (H i) content of galaxies. Our algorithm is constrained by observations of the luminosity function and luminosity- and colour-dependent clustering of Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) galaxies, as well as the H i mass function and H i-dependent clustering of massive H i-selected galaxies in the Arecibo Legacy Fast ALFA (ALFALFA) survey. Mock central and satellite galaxies with realistic values of r-band luminosity, g − r and u − r colour, stellar mass and H i mass are populated in an N-body simulation, inheriting a number of properties of the density and tidal environment of their host haloes. The host halo of each central galaxy is also ‘baryonified’ with realistic spatial distributions of stars as well as hot and cold gas, along with the corresponding rotation curve. Our default HOD assumes that galaxy properties are a function of group halo mass alone, and can optionally include effects such as galactic conformity and colour-dependent galaxy assembly bias. The mocks predict the relation between the stellar mass and H i mass of massive H i galaxies, as well as the 2-point cross-correlation function of spatially co-located optical and H i-selected samples. They enable novel null tests for galaxy assembly bias, provide predictions for the H i velocity width function, and clarify the origin and universality of the radial acceleration relation in the Lambda cold dark matter framework.
Explaining temporal variations in the jet PA of the blazar OJ 287 using its BBH central engine model
Authors: Dey Lankeswar , Valtonen Mauri J , Gopakumar A , Lico Rocco , Gómez José L , Susobhanan Abhimanyu , Komossa S , Pihajoki Pauli
Published: March 2021

The bright blazar OJ 287 is the best-known candidate for hosting a supermassive black hole binary system. It inspirals due to the emission of nanohertz gravitational waves (GWs). Observations of historical and predicted quasi-periodic high-brightness flares in its century-long optical lightcurve, allow us to determine the orbital parameters associated with the binary black hole (BBH) central engine. In contrast, the radio jet of OJ 287 has been covered with Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) observations for only about 30  yr and these observations reveal that the position angle (PA) of the jet exhibits temporal variations at both millimetre and centimetre wavelengths. Here, we associate the observed PA variations in OJ 287 with the precession of its radio jet. In our model, the evolution of the jet direction can be associated either with the primary black hole (BH) spin evolution or with the precession of the angular momentum direction of the inner region of the accretion disc. Our Bayesian analysis shows that the BBH central engine model, primarily developed from optical observations, can also broadly explain the observed temporal variations in the radio jet of OJ 287 at frequencies of 86, 43, and 15 GHz. Ongoing Global mm-VLBI Array (GMVA) observations of OJ 287 have the potential to verify our predictions for the evolution of its 86-GHz PA values. Additionally, thanks to the extremely high angular resolution that the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) can provide, we explore the possibility to test our BBH model through the detection of the jet in the secondary BH.
On the clouds and ammonia in Jupiter’s upper troposphere from Juno JIRAM reflectivity observations
Authors: Grassi Davide , Mura A , Sindoni G , Adriani A , Atreya S K , Filacchione G , Fletcher L N , Lunine J I , Moriconi M L , Noschese R , Orton G S , Plainaki C , Sordini R , Tosi F , Turrini D , Olivieri A , Eichstädt G , Hansen C J , Melin H , Altieri F , Cicchetti A , Dinelli B M , Migliorini A , Piccioni G , Stefani S , Bolton S J
Published: March 2021

We analyse spectra measured by the Jovian Infrared Auroral Mapper (JIRAM, a payload element of the NASA Juno mission) in the 3150–4910 cm−1 (2.0–3.2 μm)  range during the perijiove passage of 2016 August. Despite modelling uncertainties, the quality and the relative uniformity of the data set allow us to determine several parameters characterizing the Jupiter’s upper troposphere in the latitude range of 35°S–30°N. Ammonia relative humidity at 500 millibars varies between 5 per cent to supersaturation beyond 100 per cent for about 3 per cent of the processed spectra. Ammonia appears depleted over belts and relatively enhanced over zones. Local variations of ammonia, arguably associated with local dynamics, are found to occur in several locations on the planet (Oval BA, South Equatorial Belt). Cloud altitude, defined as the level where aerosol opacity reaches unit value at 3650 cm−1 (2.74 μm), is maximum over the Great Red Spot (>20 km  above the 1 bar  level) and the zones (15 km),  while it decreases over the belts and towards higher latitudes. The aerosol opacity scale height suggests more compact clouds over zones and more diffuse clouds over belts. The integrated opacity of clouds above the 1.3-bar pressure level is found to be minimum in regions where thermal emission of the deeper atmosphere is maximum. The opacity of tropospheric haze above the 200-mbar level also increases over zones. Our results are consistent with a Hadley-type circulation scheme previously proposed in literature for belts and zones, with clear hemisphere asymmetries in cloud and haze.
RPA2 winged-helix domain facilitates UNG-mediated removal of uracil from ssDNA; implications for repair of mutagenic uracil at the replication fork
Authors: Kavli Bodil , Iveland Tobias S , Buchinger Edith , Hagen Lars , Liabakk Nina B , Aas Per A , Obermann Tobias S , Aachmann Finn L , Slupphaug Geir
Published: March 2021

Uracil occurs at replication forks via misincorporation of deoxyuridine monophosphate (dUMP) or via deamination of existing cytosines, which occurs 2–3 orders of magnitude faster in ssDNA than in dsDNA and is 100% miscoding. Tethering of UNG2 to proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) allows rapid post-replicative removal of misincorporated uracil, but potential ‘pre-replicative’ removal of deaminated cytosines in ssDNA has been questioned since this could mediate mutagenic translesion synthesis and induction of double-strand breaks. Here, we demonstrate that uracil-DNA glycosylase (UNG), but not SMUG1 efficiently excises uracil from replication protein A (RPA)-coated ssDNA and that this depends on functional interaction between the flexible winged-helix (WH) domain of RPA2 and the N-terminal RPA-binding helix in UNG. This functional interaction is promoted by mono-ubiquitination and diminished by cell-cycle regulated phosphorylations on UNG. Six other human proteins bind the RPA2-WH domain, all of which are involved in DNA repair and replication fork remodelling. Based on this and the recent discovery of the AP site crosslinking protein HMCES, we propose an integrated model in which templated repair of uracil and potentially other mutagenic base lesions in ssDNA at the replication fork, is orchestrated by RPA. The UNG:RPA2-WH interaction may also play a role in adaptive immunity by promoting efficient excision of AID-induced uracils in transcribed immunoglobulin loci.
Taxonomic analysis of metagenomic data with kASA
Authors: Weging Silvio , Gogol-Döring Andreas , Grosse Ivo
Published: March 2021

The taxonomic analysis of sequencing data has become important in many areas of life sciences. However, currently available tools for that purpose either consume large amounts of RAM or yield insufficient quality and robustness. Here, we present kASA, a k-mer based tool capable of identifying and profiling metagenomic DNA or protein sequences with high computational efficiency and a user-definable memory footprint. We ensure both high sensitivity and precision by using an amino acid-like encoding of k-mers together with a range of multiple k’s. Custom algorithms and data structures optimized for external memory storage enable a full-scale taxonomic analysis without compromise on laptop, desktop, and HPCC.
Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter-Associated Nocardia nova Endocarditis in a Patient Receiving Intravenous Antibiotics for Chronic Lyme Disease
Authors: Njie Aji B , Mitchell Michael , Pukkila-Worley Read
Published: March 2021

Long-term antibiotics are not effective for the therapy of patients with persistent symptoms and a history of Lyme disease. However, some clinicians still prescribe these therapies. We present a case of peripherally inserted central catheter-associated Nocardia nova endocarditis in a patient who had been receiving intravenous antibiotics for the management of chronic Lyme disease. This case highlights an important risk associated with the unscientific use of indwelling peripheral catheters and intravenous antibiotics for the management of such patients.
The Evolution of Japan-ASEAN Relations
Authors: Terada Takashi
Published: March 2021

This chapter aims to provide a fresh interpretation of Japan’s patterned approach to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) over the past forty years, examining it in the context of Japan’s interest in leading wider concepts of regional institutions in Asia and the Pacific. It analyzes Japan’s policy direction and diplomatic efforts to maintain good relations with ASEAN as a key precondition for its commitment to establishing six different regional initiatives or institutions beyond Southeast Asia, representing a view that Japan has promoted its ASEAN policy in parallel with its commitment to wider regional institutions. Based on the analytical presumptions promoted by neoclassical realism, this chapter pursues Japanese policy responses to the international/regional structural changes through examining, especially, Japanese prime ministers’ perceptions, ideas, and roles to identify Japan’s distinctive moves on ASEAN and wider regional institutions: the end of the Vietnam War for ASEAN, the Plaza Accord and regional economic interdependence for APEC, the AFC for APT, China’s charm offensive diplomacy for EAS, China’s hegemonic rise for TPP, and Japan-China competition over economic rules for FOIP. Japan has acknowledged the solidarity and integration of ASEAN as a prerequisite for the effective development of these wider regional institutions, making it a significant task for Japan to ease ASEAN’s concern about its possible marginalization within Asia a politics and economics.