bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of a novel finance chaotic model via ABC fractional derivative
Authors: Dokuyucu Mustafa Ali
Published: October 2020

In this study, the analysis of the new finance chaotic model was expanded to Atangana–Baleanu–Caputo fractional derivative. The existence solution was investigated using the fixed model theorem of the new model. Then, the uniqueness solution of model was examined by using the Sumudu transformation.
Long‐term effect of diesel degradation on polyoxymethylene at different temperatures
Authors: Reis J.M.L. , Amorim F.C. , Souza J.F.B. , Sant'Anna T. , da Costa Mattos H.S.
Published: October 2020

Diesel is an important fuel, partly because of the longevity and cleanliness of diesel engines. Often, polymers are in direct contact with diesel and understanding compatibility is critical. Polyoxymethylene (POM) is a thermoplastic used to manufacture automotive fuel pump gears and rotors due to its low coefficient of friction and thermal and dimensional stability. In this study, tensile tests were performed on plain and glass fiber reinforced (POM and POMGF) after immersion in diesel at different temperatures (−10°C, 23°C, and 60°C) for 1000, 2000, 3000, 5000, and 10 000 hour. A mathematical model was developed using data from just three tensile stress‐strain curves obtained at two different fluid temperatures and three different immersion times. Model and experimental results show good agreement with one another for all conditions tested.
A curated list of genes that affect the plant ionome
Authors: Whitt Lauren , Ricachenevsky Felipe Klein , Ziegler Greg Ziegler , Clemens Stephan , Walker Elsbeth , Maathuis Frans J. M. , Kear Philip , Baxter Ivan
Published: October 2020

Understanding the mechanisms underlying plants’ adaptation to their environment will require knowledge of the genes and alleles underlying elemental composition. Modern genetics is capable of quickly, and cheaply indicating which regions of DNA are associated with particular phenotypes in question, but most genes remain poorly annotated, hindering the identification of candidate genes. To help identify candidate genes underlying elemental accumulations, we have created the known ionome gene (KIG) list: a curated collection of genes experimentally shown to change uptake, accumulation, and distribution of elements. We have also created an automated computational pipeline to generate lists of KIG orthologs in other plant species using the PhytoMine database. The current version of KIG consists of 176 known genes covering 5 species, 23 elements, and their 1588 orthologs in 10 species. Analysis of the known genes demonstrated that most were identified in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana, and that transporter coding genes and genes altering the accumulation of iron and zinc are overrepresented in the current list.
Plasticity and the role of mass‐scaling in allocation, morphology, and anatomical trait responses to above‐ and belowground resource limitation in cultivated sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)
Authors: Wang Yan , Donovan Lisa A. , Temme Andries A.
Published: October 2020

In the face of resource limitations, plants show plasticity in multiple trait categories, including biomass allocation, morphology, and anatomy, yet inevitably also grow less. The extent to which passive mass‐scaling plays a role in trait responses that contribute to increased potential for resource acquisition is poorly understood. Here, we assessed the role of mass‐scaling on the direction, magnitude, and coordination of trait plasticity to light and/or nutrient limitation in cultivated sunflower (Helianthus annuus). We grew seedlings of 10 sunflower genotypes for 3 weeks in a factorial of light (50% shade) and nutrient (10% supply) limitation in the greenhouse and measured a suite of allocational, morphological, and anatomical traits for leaves, stems, fine roots, and tap roots. Under resource limitation, plants were smaller and more biomass was allocated to the organ capturing the most limiting resource, as expected. Traits varied in the magnitude of plasticity and the extent to which the observed response was passive (scaled with plant mass) and/or had an additional active component. None of the allocational responses were primarily passive. Plastic changes to specific leaf area and specific root length were primarily active, and adjusted toward more acquisitive trait values under light and nutrient limitation, respectively. For many traits, the observed response was a mixture of active and passive components, and for some traits, the active adjustment was antagonistic to the direction of passive adjustment, for example, stem height, and tap root and stem theoretical hydraulic conductance. Passive scaling with size played a major role in the coordinated response to light, but correcting for mass clarified that the active responses to both limitations were more similar in magnitude, although still resource and organ specific. Our results demonstrate that both passive plasticity and active plasticity can contribute to increased uptake capacity for limiting resources in a manner that is resource, organ, and trait specific. Indeed, passive adjustments (scaling with mass) of traits due to resource stress extend well beyond just mass allocation traits. For a full understanding of plants’ response to environmental stress, both passive and active plasticity need to be taken into account.
Impact of accelerated aging of epoxy‐Ni nanocomposites on space charge variation adopting pulsed electro acoustic technique
Authors: Sukesh Babu Myneni , Amizhtan Somasundaram Karthikeyan , Danikas Michael G. , Sarathi Ramanujam
Published: October 2020

Epoxy‐Ni nanocomposites of different weight percentages are subjected to accelerated aging by water aging, thermal aging and UV irradiation to understand the influence of aging conditions on their space charge behavior. Homo‐charge accumulation is observed for unaged epoxy‐Ni nanocomposites. The magnitude of accumulated space charge is found to be lesser in 0.5 wt% epoxy‐Ni nanocomposite specimen compared to other unaged specimens. Water diffusion coefficient of epoxy‐Ni nanocomposites decreased with increasing weight percentage of filler addition. Space charge accumulation tends to increase with water aging. Increment in the space charge accumulation of 0.25 wt% epoxy‐Ni nanocomposite specimen is lesser compared to other water aged specimens. Exposure to thermal stress resulted in deterioration of the molecular structure of insulating material leading to an increase in trap‐controlled mobility, further leading to the reduction in space charge density with aging period. UV irradiation marginally assisted the charge transportation phenomenon, which resulted in the slight decrease of space charge density of epoxy‐Ni nanocomposites after UV irradiation. Hetero‐charge formation is found for all the three aging procedures. Overall, the specimen S1 reflected better space charge characteristics after being subjected to different aging conditions.
The Role of Pentaerythritol Tetranitrate (PETN) Aging in Determining Detonator Firing Characteristics
Authors: Lease Nicholas , Burnside Nathan J. , Brown Geoff W. , Lichthardt Joseph P. , Campbell Maria C. , Buckley Reid T. , Kramer John F. , Parrack Kristina M. , Anthony Spencer P. , Tian Hongzhao , Sjue Sky K. , Preston Daniel N. , Manner Virginia W.
Published: October 2020

Pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN) is one of the most commonly used explosives for both military and mining applications. PETN is used in EBW (exploding bridge wire) and EFI (exploding foil initiator) detonator devices. Due the widespread usage of PETN, studies focusing on how the explosive changes with age, primarily its function in detonators has received particular interest. Aging studies have identified several factors that affect PETN detonator function over time, most notably the specific surface area of the explosive powder. Though small‐scale studies have been performed on specific detonator systems with isolated batches of material, what is missing is a large statistically‐significant study focusing on PETN aging characteristics – such as powder coarsening – and their influence on detonator performance. Herein we report the first large statistically viable PETN aging study focusing on four batches of PETN powder from the same stock of PETN using two stabilizers, polysaccharide and TriPEON. PETN was aged both as a free‐flowing powder as well as in modified EBW RP‐2 detonators, for one month at 75 °C. The PETN powder has been analyzed chemically using Fisher specific surface area analysis, SEM imaging and light scattering particle size analysis. Additionally the detonators were tested for performance through voltage‐sweep threshold testing and function time measurements. Findings from the study indicate that aging at 75 °C for one month significantly changes the specific surface area and particle size of unstabilized PETN, leading to increases in detonator function time, but not detonator threshold values. Powders stabilized with TriPEON displayed less significant increases in function time, while powder stabilized with polysaccharide exhibited no aging effects, despite the high temperature aging.
High intratumoral CD8+ T‐cell infiltration is associated with improved survival in prostate cancer patients undergoing radical prostatectomy
Authors: Yang Yuanquan , Attwood Kristopher , Bshara Wiam , Mohler James L. , Guru Khurshid , Xu Bo , Kalinski Pawel , Chatta Gurkamal
Published: October 2020

Background

A high density of CD8+ tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) is associated with improved survival in multiple cancers, but its prognostic role in prostate cancer remains controversial. The aim of our study was to evaluate the prognostic value of CD8+ TILs in prostate cancer patients undergoing radical prostatectomy (RP). We hypothesized that elevated density of CD8+ TILs in the RP specimen would correlate with improved clinical outcomes. This information may be helpful for future immunotherapy clinical trial design and treatment selection.

Methods

Tumor microarrays constructed from 230 patients with localized prostate cancers who underwent RP from 2006 to 2012 at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center were analyzed retrospectively using immunohistochemistry. CD8+ cell density was evaluated using a computerized scoring system. The cohorts were separated by CD8+ TIL density at the 25th percentile (i.e., low <quartile 1 and high ≥quartile 1). The quartile 1 threshold was chosen through a “minimal p value approach” based on overall survival with correction of significance to adjust for multiple testing. Clinical outcomes were compared in the high versus low CD8+ TIL density groups.

Results

One hundred and forty‐nine (65%) patients had high risk diseases (Gleason >7 or pT3/4). The median follow‐up time was 8.4 years. High CD8+ TIL density was associated with improved 5‐year overall survival (98% vs. 91%, p = .01) and prostate cancer‐specific survival (99% vs. 95%, p = .04) compared with patients with low CD8+ TIL density. There was a trend toward higher 5‐year biochemical recurrence‐free survival and metastasis‐free survival in the cohort of patients with high CD8+ TIL density (52% vs. 38% and 86% vs. 73%, respectively), although the difference did not reach statistical significance (p = .18 and p = .05, respectively). In a multivariate analysis high CD8+ TIL density was an independent favorable prognostic factor for overall survival (hazards ratio = 0.38; 95% confidence interval: 0.17–0.87; p = .02). In contrast to the prognostic value of CD8+ TIL density, the CD8+ cell density in the matched normal prostate tissue was not associated with any clinical outcomes.

Conclusion

Intratumoral CD8+ T‐cell infiltration in the RP specimen is independently associated with improved survival after RP in this high‐risk prostate cancer cohort. Pre‐RP immunomodulation that promotes intratumoral CD8+ cytotoxic T‐cell infiltration may be beneficial for this population.
Activated autophagy restored the impaired frequency and function of regulatory T cells in chronic prostatitis
Authors: Liu Yi , Zhang Yong , Zhang Meng , Meng Jialin , Ma Qingqing , Hao Zongyao , Zheng Meijuan , Zhang Li , Chen Xianguo , Liang Chaozhao
Published: October 2020

Background

Chronic prostatitis or chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) is a disease with an unclear pathogenesis. Recent studies have reported that regulatory T (Treg) cells might be involved in the development of CP/CPPS. In this study we aimed to examine the functional role of Treg cells and explore the possible regulatory mechanism of Treg cells in CP/CPPS.

Methods

An experimental autoimmune prostatitis (EAP) mouse model was constructed; the numbers and functions of Treg cells in the EAP and control groups were tested. Then, cell differentiation experiments were conducted to evaluate the regulatory effect of autophagy on Treg cell differentiation. Furthermore, autologous CD4+CD25‐ cells and CD4+CD25+ cells from the two groups were magnetically sorted and cocultured to observe differences in cellular inhibitory functions. Finally, in an in vivo experiment, rapamycin was intraperitoneally injected into EAP mice for 4 weeks to observe the therapeutic effects.

Results

We found that the number and function of Treg cells in the EAP group were diminished compared to those in the control group. Meanwhile, the tolerance of pain in EAP mice had also decreased. Moreover, after using the autophagy activator rapamycin, the expression of the inflammatory cytokines interleukin‐1β was decreased and the pain symptoms were alleviated. A mechanistic study found that autophagy activation promoted the differentiation of Treg and increased the suppressive functions of Treg cells, along with the elevated expression of GATA‐3 and cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA‐4). Furthermore, in vivo administration of the autophagy activator rapamycin had similar effects on recovering the frequency and function of Treg cells as well as the expression of GATA‐3 and CTLA‐4.

Conclusion

The impaired frequency and function of Treg cells may contribute to the progression of CP/CPPS, and autophagy is a protective mechanism that promotes the differentiation of Treg cells and restores the suppressive functions of Treg cells. Autophagy may be a novel therapeutic option for patients with CP/CPPS.
Effects of marine biofertilisation on Celtic bean carbon, nitrogen and sulphur isotopes: Implications for reconstructing past diet and farming practices
Authors: Gröcke Darren R. , Treasure Edward R. , Lester Jonathan J. , Gron Kurt J. , Church Mike J.
Published: October 2020

Rationale

The application of fertilisers to crops can be monitored and assessed using stable isotope ratios. However, the application of marine biofertilisers (e.g., fish, macroalgae/seaweed) on crop stable isotope ratios has been rarely studied, despite widespread archaeological and historical evidence for the use of marine resources as a soil amendment.

Methods

A heritage variety of Celtic bean, similar in size and shape to archaeobotanical macrofossils of Vicia faba L., was grown in three 1 × 0.5 m outdoor plots under three soil conditions: natural soil (control); natural soil mixed with macroalgae (seaweed); and 15 cm of natural soil placed on a layer of fish carcasses (Atlantic cod). These experiments were performed over two growing seasons in the same plots. At the end of each growing season, the plants were sampled, measured and analysed for carbon, nitrogen and sulphur stable isotope ratios (δ13C, δ15N, δ34S).

Results

The bean plants freely uptake the newly bioavailable nutrients (nitrogen and sulphur) and incorporate a marine isotopic ratio into all tissues. The bean δ15N values ranged between 0.8‰ and 1.0‰ in the control experiment compared with 2‰ to 3‰ in the macroalgae crop and 8‰ to 17‰ in the cod fish experiment. Their δ34S values ranged between 5‰ and 7‰ in the control compared with 15‰ to 16‰ in the macroalgae crop and 9‰ to 12‰ in the cod fish crop. The beans became more 13C‐depleted (δ13C values: 1–1.5‰ lower) due to crop management practices.

Conclusions

Humans and animals consuming plants grown with marine biofertilisers will incorporate a marine signature. Isotopic enrichment in nitrogen and sulphur using marine resources has significant implications when reconstructing diets and farming practices in archaeological populations.
Invoking the political in socioscientific issues: A study of Indian students' discussions on commercial surrogacy
Authors: Raveendran Aswathy
Published: October 2020

The political nature of socioscientific controversies becomes starkly apparent in countries of the Global South where science and technology are embedded in societies characterized by pervasive structural inequalities which, in part, were created by the Global North. This article presents empirical work from the standpoint of a critical science educator, which attempts to highlight the political nature of socioscientific controversies, in‐line with criticisms of the dominant paradigm of research on socioscientific issues (SSIs) that foregrounds moral over political considerations, and the logico‐scientific over narrative modes of expression. The study highlights these aspects using the SSI of commercial surrogacy, involving data collected from 39 Indian students through interviews as well as group discussions—as they negotiated a SSI of commercial surrogacy. The data were analyzed in three parts and involved a discussion of: (1) the ethico‐political considerations that were raised; (2) the nature of standpoints that the students adopted; and (3) the nature of disagreements that were raised in discussions. The results reveal that the students in the study adopted a wide variety of ethico‐political positions on the issue, which were mostly supportive of, but occasionally challenged structural inequalities related to caste, class, and gender. The study examines these positions using a theoretical framework that draws on scholarship within the critical studies of science education.
Social media campaigns addressing gender‐based violence: Policy entrepreneurship and advocacy networks
Authors: Stabile Bonnie , Purohit Hemant , Hattery Angela
Published: October 2020

Social media campaigns on Twitter are one of their primary strategies used by organizations aiming to mitigate the global problem of gender‐based violence (GBV). Social media has been touted as a transformative force in social movements, affecting the influence and interplay of actors in advocacy networks, and their entrepreneurship in shaping policy. We examine the social media campaigns of three anti‐GBV organizations operating at the local, national, and global levels to assess the nature and extent of their effectiveness.
Strong Omnidirectional and Broadband Absorption of the Solar Light with Arrays of Submicrometer‐Scaled Compound Parabolic Light Concentrators
Authors: Konedana Sarah Sowmya Priya , Prajapati Ashish , Elisha Haim , Shalev Gil
Published: October 2020

Efficient omnidirectional broadband absorption is important to various applications involving the harvest of the solar spectrum. The optical absorption dependency on oblique illumination in arrays of submicrometer‐scaled compound parabolic concentrators (CPCs) is examined. For a non‐optimized CPC array, the broadband absorption is ≈30% higher than that of a nanopillar (NP) array that is corrected for the absorption of the solar light for an angle‐of‐illumination range of 0°–80°. It is shown that enhanced absorptivity of CPC arrays, relative to the optically corrected NP array, is due to the repressed transmission for both transverse electric and transverse magnetic illumination. It is determined that the superior omnidirectional broadband absorption of a CPC array is due to strong “light bending”; in the CPC array, the optical intensity is predominantly distributed laterally, whereas in the NP array, the optical intensity is mainly directed in the vertical direction. It is shown that for the CPC array, the intensity lateral components are up to 80% higher than the lateral components in the NP array. Finally, the CPC array omnidirectional broadband absorption is governed by substantial light bending, which induces competent excitation of various asymmetric photonic states.
Dimethylammonium: An A‐Site Cation for Modifying CsPbI3
Authors: Marshall Ashley R. , Sansom Harry C. , McCarthy Melissa M. , Warby Jonathan H. , Ashton Olivia J. , Wenger Bernard , Snaith Henry J.
Published: October 2020

All‐inorganic perovskite materials are attractive alternatives to organic–inorganic perovskites because of their potential for higher thermal stability. Although CsPbI3 is compositionally stable under elevated temperatures, the cubic perovskite α‐phase is thermodynamically stable only at >330 °C and the low‐temperature perovskite γ‐phase is metastable and highly susceptible to non‐perovskite δ‐phase conversion in moisture. Many methods have been reported which show that the incorporation of acid (aqueous HI) or “HPbI3”—recently shown to be dimethylammonium lead iodide (DMAPbI3) —lowers the annealing temperature required to produce the black, perovskite phase of CsPbI3. Herein, the optical and crystallographic data presented show that dimethylammonium (DMA) can successfully incorporate as an A‐site cation to replace Cs in the CsPbI3 perovskite material. This describes the stabilization and lower phase transition temperature reported in the literature when HI or HPbI3 is used as precursors for CsPbI3. The Cs–DMA alloy only forms a pure‐phase material up to ≈25% DMA; at higher concentrations, the CsPbI3 and DMAPbI3 begin to phase segregate. These alloyed materials are more stable to moisture than neat CsPbI3, but do not represent a fully inorganic perovskite material.
On matrix models and their q-deformations
Authors: Cassia Luca , Lodin Rebecca , Zabzine Maxim
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Motivated by the BPS/CFT correspondence, we explore the similarities be- tween the classicalβ-deformed Hermitean matrix model and theq-deformed matrix models associated to 3d$$ \mathcal{N} $$N= 2 supersymmetric gauge theories onD2×qS1and$$ {S}_b^3 $$Sb3by matching parameters of the theories. The novel results that we obtain are the correlators for the models, together with an additional result in the classical case consisting of theW-algebra representation of the generating function. Furthermore, we also obtain surprisingly simple expressions for the expectation values of characters which generalize previously known results.
Higher-spin symmetry vs. boundary locality, and a rehabilitation of dS/CFT
Authors: David Adrian , Neiman Yasha
Published: October 2020

Abstract

We consider the holographic duality between 4d type-A higher-spin gravity and a 3d free vector model. It is known that the Feynman diagrams for boundary correlators can be encapsulated in an HS-algebraic twistorial expression. This expression can be evaluated not just on separate boundary insertions, but on entire finite source distributions. We do so for the first time, and find that the result ZHS disagrees with the usual CFT partition function. While such disagreement was expected due to contact corrections, it persists even in their absence. We ascribe it to a confusion between on-shell and off-shell boundary calculations. In Lorentzian boundary signature, this manifests via wrong relative signs for Feynman diagrams with different permutations of the source points. In Euclidean, the signs are instead ambiguous, spoiling would-be linear superpositions. Framing the situation as a conflict between boundary locality and HS symmetry, we sacrifice locality and choose to take ZHS seriously. We are rewarded by the dissolution of a long-standing pathology in higher-spin dS/CFT. Though we lose the connection to the local CFT, the precise form of ZHS can be recovered from first principles, by demanding a spin-local boundary action.
Strong coupling expansion of circular Wilson loops and string theories in AdS5 × S5 and AdS4 × CP3
Authors: Giombi Simone , Tseytlin Arkady A.
Published: October 2020

Abstract

We revisit the problem of matching the strong coupling expansion of the$$ \frac{1}{2} $$12BPS circular Wilson loops in$$ \mathcal{N} $$N= 4 SYM and ABJM gauge theories with their string theory duals in AdS5× S5and AdS4× CP3, at the first subleading (one-loop) order of the expansion around the minimal surface. We observe that, including the overall factor 1/gsof the inverse string coupling constant, as appropriate for the open string partition function with disk topology, and a universal prefactor proportional to the square root of the string tensionT, both the SYM and ABJM results precisely match the string theory prediction. We provide an explanation of the origin of the$$ \sqrt{T} $$Tprefactor based on special features of the combination of one-loop determinants appearing in the string partition function. The latter also implies a natural generalizationZχ∼ ($$ \sqrt{T}/{g}_{\mathrm{s}} $$T/gs)χto higher genus contributions with the Euler numberχ, which is consistent with the structure of the 1/Ncorrections found on the gauge theory side.
On the impact of non-factorisable corrections in VBF single and double Higgs production
Authors: Dreyer Frédéric A. , Karlberg Alexander , Tancredi Lorenzo
Published: October 2020

Abstract

We study the non-factorisable QCD corrections, computed in the eikonal approximation, to Vector-Boson Fusion single and double Higgs production and show the combined factorisable and non-factorisable corrections for both processes at $$ \mathcal{O}\left({\alpha}_s^2\right) $$
O

α
s
2

. We investigate the validity of the eikonal approximation with and without selection cuts, and carry out an in-depth study of the relative size of the non-factorisable next-to-next-to-leading order corrections compared to the factorisable ones. In the case of single Higgs production, after selection cuts are applied, the non-factorisable corrections are found to be mostly contained within the factorisable scale uncertainty bands. When no cuts are applied, instead, the non-factorisable corrections are slightly outside the scale uncertainty band. Interestingly, for double Higgs production, we find that both before and after applying cuts, non-factorisable corrections are enhanced compared to the single Higgs case. We trace this enhancement to the existence of delicate cancellations between the various leading-order Feynman diagrams, which are partly spoiled by radiative corrections. All contributions studied here have been implemented in proVBFH v1.2.0 and proVBFHH v1.1.0.
Verletzung des vorderen Kreuzbandes beim Erwachsenen
Authors: Kohn L. , Rembeck E. , Rauch A.
Published: October 2020

Das vordere Kreuzband (VKB) ist gemeinsam mit dem hinteren Kreuzband ein zentraler Stabilisator des Kniegelenkes. Es stabilisiert die Tibia gegen eine vermehrte Translation nach ventral sowie gegen eine vermehrte Innenrotation. Mit einer Inzidenz von 46/100.000 zählen Risse des vorderen Kreuzbandes zu den häufigsten Sportverletzungen in Deutschland. Neue Präventionsprogramme können das Risiko einer Kreuzbandverletzung verringern. Bei jungen und sportlich aktiven Patienten wird die operative Behandlung empfohlen, wodurch auch das Risiko von relevanten Meniskus- und Knorpelverletzungen in der Folge verringert werden kann. Standard der operativen Therapie in Deutschland ist die vordere Kreuzbandersatzbandplastik mittels autologer Sehne. In ausgewählten Fällen zeigt der operative Erhalt des vorderen Kreuzbandes durch arthroskopische Refixation gute Ergebnisse. Anstelle der bisherigen rein zeitbasierten Rehabilitation werden zunehmend funktionsbasierte Kriterien in die Nachbehandlung mit einbezogen.
Barley-sorghum craft beer production with Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Torulaspora delbrueckii and Metschnikowia pulcherrima yeast strains
Authors: Einfalt Daniel
Published: October 2020

The use of different yeast strains contributes to obtain insights into beer products with diverse sensory characteristics. In this study, three yeast species of different genera were selected to evaluate their fermentation performance and sensory profile for barley-sorghum beer production. Baley-sorghum wort was produced with 12.5°P and fermented with Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Torulaspora delbrueckii and Metschnikowia pulcherrima yeast strains. Differences were observed in terms of fermentation time and ability to ferment maltose. S. cerevisiae attenuated initial maltose concentration within 72 h, while M. pulcherrima and T. delbrueckii performed fermentation within 120 and 192 h, respectively. Both yeast strains simultaneously produced 11% and 23% lower ethanol concentrations, compared to S. cerevisiae with 37.9 g/L. Wort fermented with T. delbrueckii showed residual maltose concentration of 19.7 ± 4.1 g/L, resulting in significantly enhanced beer sweetness. S. cerevisiae produced significantly increased levels of higher alcohols, and obtained the highest scores for the sensory attribute body perception. Beer produced with T. delbrueckii contained significantly lower fermentative 2,3-butanediol and 2-methyl-1-butanol volatiles; this beer also showed reduced body perception. Beer conditioned with T. delbrueckii was significantly preferred over M. pulcherrima. Besides S. cerevisiae with high fermentative power, T. delbrueckii and M. pulcherrima were found to have reduced maltose fermenting abilities and provide significantly different sensory attributes to barley-sorghum beers.
Splenic Artery Angioembolization is Associated with Increased Venous Thromboembolism
Authors: Lewis M. , Piccinini A. , Benjamin E. , Demetriades D.
Published: October 2020

Background

Angioembolization has become an increasingly utilized adjunct for splenic preservation after trauma. Embolization of the splenic artery may produce a transient systemic hypercoagulable state. This study was designed to determine the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in blunt trauma patients managed nonoperatively with splenic angioembolization, relative to those managed without.

Method

Retrospective review of the American College of Surgeons Trauma Quality Improvement Performance (TQIP) Database from 2013 to 2016. Adult (>16 years) patients with isolated, severe (Grades III–V) blunt splenic injuries managed nonoperatively who received pharmacological VTE prophylaxis formed the study population. Outcomes included deep venous thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), or any VTE.

Results

A total of 2643 patients met inclusion criteria (69.1% Grade III, 26.5% Grade IV, 4.5% Grade V). The incidence of DVT was 4.5% in patients who underwent angioembolization, compared to 1.4% in patients who did not (p<0.001). Multivariable analysis showed that angioembolization was an independent risk factor for both DVT (OR 2.65, p = 0.006) and any VTE (OR 2.04, p = 0.01). Analysis according to splenic injury Grades showed that angioembolization remained an independent risk factor for DVT (p = 0.004) in the Grade IV‐V injury group, and for VTE (p<0.01) in the Grade III injury group. Initiation of pharmacological VTE prophylaxis 48 h after admission was associated with increased VTE rates in comparison to early initiation (OR 1.75, p = 0.02)

Conclusions

Splenic artery angioembolization may be an independent risk factor for VTE events in isolated, severe blunt splenic trauma managed nonoperatively. Early prophylaxis with LMWH after intervention should be strongly considered.
Outcomes in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease After Liver Resection for Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Yoshikawa Takahiro , Nomi Takeo , Hokuto Daisuke , Kamitani Naoki , Matsuo Yasuko , Sho Masayuki
Published: October 2020

Background

The aim of this study was to clarify the feasibility of liver resection in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Methods

In all, 204 patients who underwent primary liver resection for HCC between 2011 and 2019 were analyzed. Short‐term and long‐term outcomes were compared between the CKD and control groups. The CKD group was defined by a preoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 45 mL/min/1.73 m2 and chronic kidney disease Stage 3B or higher.

Results

Twenty‐eight patients (13.7%) had CKD. No significant differences were observed in the overall complication rates between the groups (46.4% vs. 34.7% p = 0.229). The incidence of bile leakage was significantly higher in the CKD group than in the control group (14.3% vs. 4.0% p = 0.048), and the median postoperative hospital stay was significantly longer in the CKD group (11 vs. 9 days p = 0.031). No significant differences were found in the disease‐free survival between the two groups (p = 0.763), but overall survival (OS) was significantly worse in the CKD group than in the control group (p = 0.022). In the multivariable analysis, a CKD diagnosis (hazard ratio, 2.261; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.139–4.486 p = 0.020) was identified as an independent poor prognostic factor for OS. The percentage of patients who died from cardiovascular disease was significantly higher in the CKD group (27.3% vs. 2.3% p = 0.023).

Conclusions

Liver resection for HCC in CKD patients is associated with acceptable perioperative outcomes. However, cardiovascular disease may negatively affect the OS of CKD patients after liver resection.
Increasing cancer risk over calendar year in people with multiple sclerosis: a case–control study
Authors: Zecca Chiara , Disanto Giulio , Sacco Rosaria , MacLachlan Sharon , Kuhle Jens , Ramagopalan Sreeram V. , Gobbi Claudio
Published: October 2020

Background

Data on cancer prevalence and incidence in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients are controversial. This study is aimed at estimating cancer risk in MS patients.

Methods

Nested case–control study using data collected between 01/01/1987 and 28/02/2016 from the United Kingdom Clinical Practice Research Datalink. Cancer diagnoses after first MS code (index date) was counted in 10,204 MS patients and 39,448 controls matched by sex, age, general practitioner, and registration year. Cancer rates were compared using multivariable Cox regression models. Ethics approval was not required.

Results

Cancer was reported in 433 (4.41%) MS patients and 2014 (5.31%) controls after index date. Cancer risk was associated with gender (HR for female = 0.88, 95% CI = 0.81–0.96, p = 0.004), age at index date (HR = 1.06, 95% CI = 1.06–1.07, p < 0.001), and index year (HR = 1.01, 95% CI = 1.00–1.02, p = 0.016), but not with MS status (HR = 0.95, 95% CI = 0.86–1.05, p = 0.323). A significant interaction between MS status and index year was found (HR = 1.02, 95% CI = 1.00–1.04, p = 0.022). Cancer risk was positively associated with index year among MS patients (HR = 1.03, 95% CI = 1.01–1.05; p = 0.010), but not controls (HR = 1.01, 95% CI = 0.99–1.02; p = 0.144). MS patients compared to controls had no increased risk for any specific cancer type.

Conclusions

Overall cancer risk was similar in multiple sclerosis patients and matched controls. The frequency of cancer diagnoses has increased over time among MS patients but not in controls.
Mild cognitive impairment with Lewy bodies: blood perfusion with arterial spin labelling
Authors: Firbank Michael J. , O’Brien John T. , Durcan Rory , Allan Louise M. , Barker Sally , Ciafone Joanna , Donaghy Paul C. , Hamilton Calum A. , Lawley Sarah , Lloyd Jim , Roberts Gemma , Taylor John-Paul , Thomas Alan J.
Published: October 2020

Objective

To use arterial spin labelling to investigate differences in perfusion in mild cognitive impairment with Lewy bodies (MCI-LB) compared to Alzheimer type MCI (MCI-AD) and healthy controls.

Methods

We obtained perfusion images on 32 MCI-LB, 30 MCI-AD and 28 healthy subjects of similar age. Perfusion relative to cerebellum was calculated, and we aimed to examine differences in relative perfusion between MCI-LB and the other groups. This included whole brain voxelwise comparisons, as well as using predefined region-of-interest ratios of medial occipital to medial temporal, and posterior cingulate to precuneus. Differences in occipital perfusion in eyes open vs eyes closed conditions were also examined.

Results

Compared to controls, the MCI-LB showed reduced perfusion in the precuneus, parietal, occipital and fusiform gyrus regions. In our predefined regions, the ratio of perfusion in occipital/medial temporal was significantly lower, and the posterior cingulate/precuneus ratio was significantly higher in MCI-LB compared to controls. Overall, the occipital perfusion was greater in the eyes open vs closed condition, but this did not differ between groups.

Conclusion

We found patterns of altered perfusion in MCI-LB which are similar to those seen in dementia with Lewy bodies, with reduction in posterior parietal and occipital regions, but relatively preserved posterior cingulate.
Expression profiles of metallothionein-I/II and megalin/LRP-2 in uterine cervical squamous lesions
Authors: Jakovac Hrvoje , Stašić Nikola , Krašević Maja , Jonjić Nives , Radošević-Stašić Biserka
Published: October 2020

Metallothioneins (MTs) are phylogenetically old cysteine-rich proteins, which are implicated in a variety of physiological and pathological processes. Their growth-regulating, anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory functions have been attributed not only to intracellular free radical scavenging and to zinc and copper regulation but also to the ability of secreted MT to bind on surface lipoprotein receptor-megalin/LRP2, which enables the endocytosis of MT-I/II and a wide range of other functionally distinct ligands. In the present study, we analysed the expression pattern of both proteins in 55 cases of premalignant transformation of cervical squamous cells, i.e. in low- and high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL and HSIL). The data showed that in LSIL (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia CIN1; N = 25) MTs were present only in basal and parabasal cells and that megalin was only weakly expressed. In HSIL (CIN2; N = 15 and CIN 3/carcinoma in situ; N = 15), however, overexpression and co-localization of MT with megalin were found in the entire hyperplastic epithelium. Moreover, megalin immunoreactivity appeared on the glandular epithelium and vascular endothelium, as well as on lymphatic cells in stroma. Besides, multiple megalin-positive cells expressed phosphorylated Akt1, implying that MT- and/or megalin-dependent prosurvival signal transduction pathways might contribute to the development of severe cervical dysplasia. The data emphasize the diagnostic power of combined MT/megalin analysis in pre-cancer screening.
Uniqueness of minimal projections in smooth expanded matrix spaces
Authors: Kozdęba Michał
Published: October 2020

Let us consider the space M(n, m) of all real or complex matrices on n rows and m columns. In 2000 Lesław Skrzypek proved the uniqueness of minimal projection of this space onto its subspace $$M(n,1)+M(1,m)$$

M
(
n
,
1
)
+
M
(
1
,
m
)

which consists of all sums of matrices with constant rows and matrices with constant columns. We generalize this result using some new methods proved by Lewicki and Skrzypek (J Approx Theory 148:71–91, 2007). Let S be a space of all functions from $$X\times Y \times Z$$

X
×
Y
×
Z

into $${\mathbb {R}}$$
R
or $${\mathbb {C}}$$
C
, where X, Y, Z are finite sets. It could be interpreted as a space of three-dimensional matrices M(n, m, r). Let T be a subspace of S consisting of all sums of functions which depend on one variable. Let S be equipped with a smooth norm $$\Vert .\Vert $$

‖
.
‖

. We show that there exists the unique minimal projection of S onto its subspace T.
Evolving behaviour trees for supervisory control of robot swarms
Authors: Hogg Elliott , Hauert Sabine , Harvey David , Richards Arthur
Published: October 2020

Supervisory control of swarms is essential to their deployment in real-world scenarios to both monitor their operation and provide guidance. We explore mechanisms by which humans can provide supervisory control to swarms to improve their performance. Rather than have humans guess the correct form of supervisory control, we use artificial evolution to learn effective human-readable strategies. Behaviour trees are applied to represent human-readable decision strategies which are produced through evolution. These strategies can be thoroughly tested and can provide knowledge to be used in the future in a variety of scenarios. A simulated set of scenarios are investigated where a swarm of robots have to explore varying environments and reach sets of objectives. Effective supervisory control strategies are evolved to explore each environment using different local swarm behaviours. The evolved behaviour trees are examined in detail alongside swarm simulations to enable clear understanding of the supervisory strategies. We conclude by identifying the strengths in accelerated testing and the benefits of this approach for scenario exploration and training of human operators.
Displacement of surrounding rock in a deep circular hole considering double moduli and strength-stiffness degradation
Authors: Zhao Zenghui , Sun Wei , Chen Shaojie , Feng Yuanhui , Wang Weiming
Published: October 2020

The problem of cavity stability widely exists in deep underground engineering and energy exploitation. First, the stress field of the surrounding rock under the uniform stress field is deduced based on a post-peak strength drop model considering the rock’s characteristics of constant modulus and double moduli. Then, the orthogonal non-associative flow rule is used to establish the displacement of the surrounding rock under constant modulus and double moduli, respectively, considering the stiffness degradation and dilatancy effects in the plastic region and assuming that the elastic strain in the plastic region satisfies the elastic constitutive relationship. Finally, the evolution of the displacement in the surrounding rock is analyzed under the effects of the double moduli characteristics, the strength drop, the stiffness degradation, and the dilatancy. The results show that the displacement solutions of the surrounding rock under constant modulus and double moduli have a unified expression. The coefficients of the expression are related to the stress field of the original rock, the elastic constant of the surrounding rock, the strength parameters, and the dilatancy angle. The strength drop, the stiffness degradation, and the dilatancy effects all have effects on the displacement. The effects can be characterized by quantitative relationships.
Pupillary Responses Obey Emmert’s Law and Co-vary with Autistic Traits
Authors: Tortelli Chiara , Turi Marco , Burr David C. , Binda Paola
Published: October 2020

We measured the pupil response to a light stimulus subject to a size illusion and found that stimuli perceived as larger evoke a stronger pupillary response. The size illusion depends on combining retinal signals with contextual 3D information; contextual processing is thought to vary across individuals, being weaker in individuals with stronger autistic traits. Consistent with this theory, autistic traits correlated negatively with the magnitude of pupil modulations in our sample of neurotypical adults; however, psychophysical measurements of the illusion did not correlate with autistic traits, or with the pupil modulations. This shows that pupillometry provides an accurate objective index of complex perceptual processes, particularly useful for quantifying interindividual differences, and potentially more informative than standard psychophysical measures.
Tuning the electronic properties of C12A7 via Sn doping and encapsulation
Authors: Kuganathan Navaratnarajah , Chroneos Alexander
Published: October 2020

Cation doping in electride materials has been recently considered as a viable engineering strategy to enhance the electron concentration. Here we apply density functional theory-based energy minimisation techniques to investigate the thermodynamical stability and the electronic structures of Sn-doped and Sn-encapsulated in stoichiometric and electride forms of C12A7. The present calculations reveal that encapsulation is exoergic and doping is endoergic. The electride form is more energetically favourable than the stoichiometric form for both encapsulation and doping. Encapsulation in the electride results a significant electron transfer (1.52 |e|) from the cages consisting of extra-framework electrons to the Sn atom. The Sn forms almost + 4 state in the doped configuration in the stoichiometric form as reported for the electride form in the experiment. Similar charge state for the Sn is expected for the electride form though the extra-framework electrons localised on the Sn. Resultant complexes of both forms are magnetic. Whilst significant Fermi energy shift is noted for the doping in C12A7:O2− (by 1.60 eV) towards the conduction band, there is a very small shift (0.04 eV) is observed in C12A7:e−. Future experimental study on the encapsulation of Sn in both forms of C12A7 and doping of Sn in the stoichiometric form can use this information to interpret their experimental data.
Preserving surface area and porosity during fabrication of silicon aerocrystal particles from anodized wafers
Authors: Storey C. J. , Nekovic E. , Kaplan A. , Theis W. , Canham L. T.
Published: October 2020

Porous silicon layers on wafers are commonly converted into particles by mechanical milling or ultrasonic fragmentation. The former technique can rapidly generate large batches of microparticles. The latter technique is commonly used for making nanoparticles but processing times are very long and yields, where reported, are often very low. With both processing techniques, the porosity and surface area of the particles generated are often assumed to be similar to those of the parent film. We demonstrate that this is rarely the case, using air-dried high porosity and supercritically dried aerocrystals as examples. We show that whereas ball milling can more quickly generate much higher yields of particles, it is much more damaging to the nanostructures than ultrasonic fragmentation. The latter technique is particularly promising for silicon aerocrystals since processing times are reduced whilst yields are simultaneously raised with ultrahigh porosity structures. Not only that, but very high surface areas (> 500 m2/g) can be completely preserved with ultrasonic fragmentation.