bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hidden limbs in the “limbless skink” Brachymeles lukbani: Developmental observations
Authors: Smith‐Paredes Daniel , Griffith Oliver , Fabbri Matteo , Yohe Laurel , Blackburn Daniel G. , Siler Cameron D. , Bhullar Bhart‐Anjan S. , Wagner Günter P.
Published: April 2021

Reduced limbs and limblessness have evolved independently in many lizard clades. Scincidae exhibit a wide range of limb‐reduced morphologies, but only some species have been used to study the embryology of limb reduction (e.g., digit reduction in Chalcides and limb reduction in Scelotes). The genus Brachymeles, a Southeast Asian clade of skinks, includes species with a range of limb morphologies, from pentadactyl to functionally and structurally limbless species. Adults of the small, snake‐like species Brachymeles lukbani show no sign of external limbs in the adult except for small depressions where they might be expected to occur. Here, we show that embryos of B. lukbani in early stages of development, on the other hand, show a truncated but well‐developed limb with a stylopod and a zeugopod, but no signs of an autopod. As development proceeds, the limb's small size persists even while the embryo elongates. These observations are made based on external morphology. We used florescent whole‐mount immunofluorescence to visualize the morphology of skeletal elements and muscles within the embryonic limb of B. lukabni. Early stages have a humerus and separated ulna and radius cartilages; associated with these structures are dorsal and ventral muscle masses as those found in the embryos of other limbed species. While the limb remains small, the pectoral girdle grows in proportion to the rest of the body, with well‐developed skeletal elements and their associated muscles. In later stages of development, we find the small limb is still present under the skin, but there are few indications of its presence, save for the morphology of the scale covering it. By use of CT scanning, we find that the adult morphology consists of a well‐developed pectoral girdle, small humerus, extremely reduced ulna and radius, and well‐developed limb musculature connected to the pectoral girdle. These muscles form in association with a developing limb during embryonic stages, a hint that “limbless” lizards that possess these muscles may have or have had at least transient developing limbs, as we find in B. lukbani. Overall, this newly observed pattern of ontogenetic reduction leads to an externally limbless adult in which a limb rudiment is hidden and covered under the trunk skin, a situation called cryptomelia. The results of this work add to our growing understanding of clade‐specific patterns of limb reduction and the convergent evolution of limbless phenotypes through different developmental processes.
Internalization of inferiority and colonial system justification: The case of Puerto Rico
Authors: Rivera Pichardo Eduardo J. , Jost John T. , Benet‐Martínez Verónica
Published: April 2021

Since the U.S. military invasion of Puerto Rico in 1898, the Caribbean island has been an “unincorporated territory” of the United States. Today, the island faces the worst economic, political, and humanitarian crisis in its modern history. Despite major disadvantages associated with the present situation, many Puerto Ricans continue to support U.S. hegemonic rule by either maintaining the territorial status quo or calling for a full annexation of Puerto Rico as a U.S. state. To better understand these attitudes, we synthesized insights from decolonial theory and system justification perspectives and administered surveys to 344 adults in San Juan, P.R. from 2017 to 2019. Results revealed that, as hypothesized, internalization of inferiority (outgroup favoritism) and epistemic motivation (need for cognitive closure) were associated with Puerto Ricans’ justification of the colonial system. Furthermore, colonial system justification was a significant mediator of the effects of internalization of inferiority and epistemic motivation on support for the territorial status quo and U.S. statehood—as well as rejection of national independence. Implications of these findings and the relevance of the overarching theoretical framework for the study of cultural and political psychology in other colonial and “post‐colonial” contexts are discussed.
Subarachnoid hemorrhage and superficial siderosis in a patient with pseudoxanthoma elasticum
Authors: Chen Benson S. , Anderson Neil E.
Published: April 2021

Pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE) is an inherited connective tissue disorder characterized by distinct skin lesions, retinal abnormalities, and increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a rare complication. We describe a PXE patient with recurrent non‐aneurysmal SAH and superficial siderosis. The only potential source of hemorrhage identified was a developmental venous anomaly.
Disentangling the Effects of Uncertainty, Monetary Policy and Leverage Shocks on the Economy*
Authors: Dery Cosmas , Serletis Apostolos
Published: April 2021

In this paper, we assess the information content and predictive ability of various risk and uncertainty measures in predicting various measures of real economic activity as well as undertake a comparative analysis of the relative importance of uncertainty, monetary policy and leverage shocks in the macroeconomic business cycle. We find that the macroeconomic uncertainty index and the Chicago Fed national financial conditions risk index have the strongest predictive relationship with economic activities. Also, in the context of a Bayesian monetary structural vector autoregressive, we use the penalty function approach to a sequential identification of uncertainty, monetary policy and leverage shocks, and find that uncertainty shocks are a relatively more important source of variations in the economy than traditional monetary policy shocks. However, monetary policy shocks still outperform uncertainty shocks in explaining inflation dynamics.
Referral patterns and demographic factors predict treatment dropout in suicidal youth
Authors: Clarke Christina , Oh JungSu , Khan Humama , LoParo Devon , Lamis Dorian A.
Published: April 2021

Introduction

Due to increasing suicide rates, treatment engagement among suicidal youth is paramount. Identification of factors that predict treatment dropout could aid in bolstering treatment engagement. In this study, we examine whether demographic factors, specific treatment referrals, and interactions among referrals predict treatment dropout in youth deemed at risk for suicide.

Methods

Youth (N = 3606) were screened for suicide using the Early Identification, Referral, and Follow‐up (EIRF) system across three community behavioral health centers. If considered at‐risk, all were provided mental health referrals and some were provided family support, crisis hotline, and/or school support referrals. Analyses were performed to analyze dropout patterns based on the binary logistic regression framework.

Results

Being older (OR = 1.06, p < 0.001) and being male (OR = 1.28, p < 0.001) were related to greater odds of dropping out from referrals, while being referred to family support (OR = 0.13, p < 0.001), and being referred to a crisis hotline (OR = 0.58, p < 0.001) were associated with smaller odds of dropping out. Interactions were also analyzed.

Conclusion

Monitoring utilization and referral patterns is essential to appropriately meet the needs of youth at‐risk for suicide. Specifically, referring youth for family support and to use a crisis hotline may be particularly helpful in retaining treatment engagement.
“Sacred to the Hart”*: Identity and Dignity as Reflected in the Memorial Landscapes of Postemancipation African Americans in Pensacola, Florida
Authors: Stringfield Margo S.
Published: April 2021

Objective

This article broadens the discussion of 19th century monuments associated with the Lost Cause by exploring the monument landscapes of post‐emancipation African American cemeteries and the people who are associated with them.

Method

Exemplars from several cemeteries in Pensacola, Florida, are used to examine how the postemancipation population maintained deep ties to their cultural roots while assimilating into society as free people.

Results

The built environment of postemancipation African American cemeteries contains monuments reflecting black identity and dignity in life and in death.

Conclusions

Examining a broader sample of memorial landscapes can be a starting point in expanding the national dialogue on our country's history in a more inclusive fashion. Historic cemeteries, especially African American cemeteries established post‐Civil War, offer an excellent means of doing this in a manner that almost all citizens can understand and respect.
Friction Surfacing Deposition by Consumable Tools
Authors: Seidi Ebrahim , Miller Scott F. , Carlson Blair E.
Published: April 2021

Friction surfacing is a new variation of friction stir processing for surface property modification of metallic substrates. There is an increasing body of literature about friction surfacing by deposition of metal from a consumable tool to a solid substrate. Friction surfacing has many potential applications in joining, coating for corrosion resistance, and repair of degraded components. This article presents a review of the basic principles and latest research organized by processing techniques and variations, thermomechanical transfer and deposition of material, and finally metallurgical, mechanical, and chemical properties of the resulting deposition. Different friction surfacing processes are reviewed of novel tool–substrate configurations for material deposition for noncoating purposes like keyhole filling and joining dissimilar materials. Possible future topics of study for this area are discussed, which include deeper understanding of material transfer through metallurgy, FEM, and scale up of the technique for practical application.
Migrating to Social Networks While Watching Televised Sports: A Case Study of the Effect of Enjoyment on Second-Screen Usage During the World Cup
Authors: Elishar-Malka Vered , Ariel Yaron , Weimann-Saks Dana
Published: April 2021

The World Cup is among the most popular televised sport events. This case study examined how enjoyment from and transportation into World Cup broadcasts affected WhatsApp use on a second screen. The authors hypothesized a negative correlation between World Cup enjoyment and WhatsApp use (both match related and unrelated), mediated by transportation into the match. Based on an online survey of 454 participants, they found that the more enjoyment the viewers experienced, the less they used WhatsApp for non-match-related purposes and (contrary to their hypothesis) the more they used it for match-related purposes. It was also found that the more enjoyment viewers experienced, the more transported they were into the match, leading to higher match-related and lower non-match-related WhatsApp use.
The First Immunocompetent Mouse Model of Strictly Human Pathogen, Borrelia recurrentis
Authors: Rogovskyy Artem S. , Rogovska Yuliya V. , Taylor Brianne M. , Wiener Dominique J. , Threadgill David W.
Published: April 2021

The spirochetal bacterium
Borrelia recurrentis
causes louse-borne relapsing fever (LBRF).
Borrelia recurrentis
is unique because, as opposed to other
Borrelia
spirochetes, this strictly human pathogen is transmitted by lice. Despite the high mortality and historically proven epidemic potential and current outbreaks in African countries and Western Europe, research on LBRF has been obstructed by the lack of suitable animal models.
Cellular Mn/Zn Ratio Influences Phosphoglucomutase Activity and Capsule Production in Streptococcus pneumoniae D39
Authors: McFarland Averi L. , Bhattarai Nabin , Joseph Merrin , Winkler Malcolm E. , Martin Julia E.
Published: April 2021

Evolving evidence strongly indicates that maintenance of metal homeostasis is essential for establishing colonization and continued growth of bacterial pathogens in the vertebrate host. In this study, we demonstrate the impact of cellular manganese/zinc (Mn/Zn) ratios on bacterial capsular polysaccharide (CPS) production, an important virulence determinant of many human-pathogenic bacteria, including
Streptococcus pneumoniae
.
Diagnostic Performance of the Novel BioPlex Lyme Serological Assays in European Patients with Lyme Disease
Authors: Baarsma M. E. (Ewoud) , Ursinus Jeanine , Zaaijer Hans L. , Kuiper Herman , Hovius Joppe W.
Published: April 2021

Serodiagnosis of Lyme borreliosis (LB) comes with several drawbacks, among which is limited sensitivity in early disease. This study assesses the sensitivity and specificity of the novel BioPlex 2200 Lyme IgG and Lyme IgM assays.
NirA Is an Alternative Nitrite Reductase from Pseudomonas aeruginosa with Potential as an Antivirulence Target
Authors: Fenn Samuel , Dubern Jean-Frédéric , Cigana Cristina , De Simone Maura , Lazenby James , Juhas Mario , Schwager Stephan , Bianconi Irene , Döring Gerd , Elmsley Jonas , Eberl Leo , Williams Paul , Bragonzi Alessandra , Cámara Miguel
Published: April 2021

The emergence of widespread antimicrobial resistance has led to the need for development of novel therapeutic interventions. Antivirulence strategies are an attractive alternative to classic antimicrobial therapy; however, they require identification of new specific targets which can be exploited in drug discovery programs.
In VivoAntigen Expression Regulates CD4 T Cell Differentiation and Vaccine Efficacy against Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection
Authors: Clemmensen Helena Strand , Dube Jean-Yves , McIntosh Fiona , Rosenkrands Ida , Jungersen Gregers , Aagaard Claus , Andersen Peter , Behr Marcel A. , Mortensen Rasmus
Published: April 2021

Tuberculosis, caused by Mtb, constitutes a global health crisis of massive proportions, and the impact of the current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is expected to cause a rise in tuberculosis-related deaths. Improved vaccines are therefore needed more than ever, but a lack of knowledge on protective immunity hampers their development.
Vertical Transmission at the Pathogen-Symbiont Interface: Serratia symbiotica and Aphids
Authors: Perreau Julie , Patel Devki J. , Anderson Hanna , Maeda Gerald P. , Elston Katherine M. , Barrick Jeffrey E. , Moran Nancy A.
Published: April 2021

Insects have evolved various mechanisms to reliably transmit their beneficial bacterial symbionts to the next generation. Sap-sucking insects, including aphids, transmit symbionts by endocytosis of the symbiont into cells of the early embryo within the mother’s body.
The Small t Antigen of JC Virus Antagonizes RIG-I-Mediated Innate Immunity by Inhibiting TRIM25’s RNA Binding Ability
Authors: Chiang Cindy , Dvorkin Steve , Chiang Jessica J. , Potter Rachel B. , Gack Michaela U.
Published: April 2021

The innate immune response is the first line of defense against viral pathogens, and in turn, many viruses have evolved strategies to evade detection by the host’s innate immune surveillance machinery. Investigation of the interplay between viruses and the innate immune response provides valuable insight into potential therapeutic targets against viral infectious diseases.
Supplemental Material: Precision and accuracy of modal analysis methods for clastic deposits and rocks: A statistical and numerical modeling approach
Authors: Ross P.-S. , al. et
Published: April 2021

File 1: Review of some previous studies and statistical concepts. File 2: Figures for people with color blindness.
Delayed aneurysm rupture following treatment with the WEB embolization device
Authors: Gross Bradley A , Lang Michael J
Published: April 2021

Delayed rupture of an aneurysm following WEB embolization has not yet been reported. We present a case of a multiply ruptured anterior communicating artery aneurysm treated via WEB embolization. A post-treatment CT scan confirmed no evidence of rebleeding during treatment. Four hours after treatment, the patient developed an acute, significant increase in intracranial pressure with bloody ventriculostomy output, with CT scan demonstrating new parenchymal and intraventricular hemorrhage. The aneurysm was subsequently treated via microsurgical clipping that did not identify an “uncovered” bleb or rupture source.
Need of additional iridotomies despite lens extraction in spherophakes
Authors: Gupta Shikha , Mahalingam Karthikeyan , Ramesh Priyanka , Gupta Viney
Published: April 2021

Spherophakes are known to have irregular anterior chamber (AC) depths due to their poorly supported zonules. This irregularity leads to an unstable AC, often resulting in angle closure glaucoma from anterior subluxation of globular lenses. A peripheral iridotomy may be helpful to encourage aqueous drainage in initial stages, however, is not often required once lens is extracted. But, we have observed persistent instability of AC in spherophakic eyes despite lens extraction, leading to frequent iridocorneal contact locally over some quadrants. The presumed aetiology in such scenarios could be constant anteroposterior instability of IOL-bag complex due to generalised zonulopathy and hence localised iris bombe in areas with previous iridocorneal contact. Timely identification and performing additional iridotomies during surgery at such sectors even after lens extraction facilitated symmetric deepening of the AC. Hence, we recommend use of additional iridotomies at areas with persistent iridocorneal contact even after lens extraction.
The methodological quality of individual participant data meta-analysis on intervention effects: systematic review
Authors: Wang Huan , Chen Yancong , Lin Yali , Abesig Julius , Wu Irene XY , Tam Wilson
Published: April 2021

Objective

To assess the methodological quality of individual participant data (IPD) meta-analysis and to identify areas for improvement.

Design

Systematic review.

Data sources

Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies

Systematic reviews with IPD meta-analyses of randomised controlled trials on intervention effects published in English.

Results

323 IPD meta-analyses covering 21 clinical areas and published between 1991 and 2019 were included: 270 (84%) were non-Cochrane reviews and 269 (84%) were published in journals with a high impact factor (top quarter). The IPD meta-analyses showed low compliance in using a satisfactory technique to assess the risk of bias of the included randomised controlled trials (43%, 95% confidence interval 38% to 48%), accounting for risk of bias when interpreting results (40%, 34% to 45%), providing a list of excluded studies with justifications (32%, 27% to 37%), establishing an a priori protocol (31%, 26% to 36%), prespecifying methods for assessing both the overall effects (44%, 39% to 50%) and the participant-intervention interactions (31%, 26% to 36%), assessing and considering the potential of publication bias (31%, 26% to 36%), and conducting a comprehensive literature search (19%, 15% to 23%). Up to 126 (39%) IPD meta-analyses failed to obtain IPD from 90% or more of eligible participants or trials, among which only 60 (48%) provided reasons and 21 (17%) undertook certain strategies to account for the unavailable IPD.

Conclusions

The methodological quality of IPD meta-analyses is unsatisfactory. Future IPD meta-analyses need to establish an a priori protocol with prespecified data syntheses plan, comprehensively search the literature, critically appraise included randomised controlled trials with appropriate technique, account for risk of bias during data analyses and interpretation, and account for unavailable IPD.
Paediatric to adult healthcare transition in resource-limited settings: a narrative review
Authors: Narla Nirmala Priya , Ratner Leah , Bastos Fernanda Viera , Owusu Sheila Agyeiwaa , Osei-Bonsu Angela , Russ Christiana M
Published: April 2021

Background

Ageing into adulthood is challenging at baseline, and doing so with a chronic disease can add increased stress and vulnerability. Worldwide, a substantial care gap exists as children transition from care in a paediatric to adult setting. There is no current consensus on safe and equitable healthcare transition (HCT) for patients with chronic disease in resource-denied settings. Much of the existing literature is specific to HIV care. The objective of this narrative review was to summarise current literature related to adolescent HCT not associated with HIV, in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) and other resource-denied settings, in order to inform equitable health policy strategies.

Methods

A literature search was performed using defined search terms in PubMed and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature databases to identify all peer-reviewed studies published until January 2020, pertaining to paediatric to adult HCT for adolescents and young adults with chronic disease in resource-denied settings. Following deduplication, 1111 studies were screened and reviewed by two independent reviewers, of which 10 studies met the inclusion criteria. Resulting studies were included in thematic analysis and narrative synthesis.

Results

Twelve subthemes emerged, leading to recommendations which support equitable and age-appropriate adolescent care. Recommendations include (1) improvement of community health education and resilience tools for puberty, reproductive health and mental health comorbidities; (2) strengthening of health systems to create individualised adolescent-responsive policy; (3) incorporation of social and financial resources in the healthcare setting; and (4) formalisation of institution-wide procedures to address community-identified barriers to successful transition.

Conclusion

Limitations of existing evidence relate to the paucity of formal policy for paediatric to adult transition in LMICs for patients with childhood-onset conditions, in the absence of a diagnosis of HIV. With a rise in successful treatments for paediatric-onset chronic disease, adolescent health and transition programmes are needed to guide effective health policy and risk reduction for adolescents in resource-denied settings.
The effectiveness of interruptive prescribing alerts in ambulatory CPOE to change prescriber behaviour & improve safety
Authors: Cerqueira Oliver , Gill Mohsain , Swar Bishr , Prentice Katherine Ann , Gwin Shannon , Beasley Brent W
Published: April 2021

Background

Prescribing alerts of an electronic health record are meant to be protective, but often are disruptive to providers. Our goal was to assess the effectiveness of interruptive medication-prescriber alerts in changing prescriber behaviour and improving patient outcomes in ambulatory care settings via computerised provider order entry (CPOE) systems.

Methods

A standardised search strategy was developed and applied to the following key bibliographical databases: PubMed, Embase, CINAHL and The Cochrane Library. Non-comparison studies and studies on non-interrupted alerts were eliminated. We developed a standardised data collection form and abstracted data that included setting, study design, category of intervention alert and outcomes measured. The search was completed in August 2018 and repeated in November of 2019 and of 2020 to identify any new publications during the time lapse.

Results

Ultimately, nine comparison studies of triggered alerts were identified. Each studied at least one outcome measure illustrating how the alert affected prescriber decision-making. Provider behaviour was influenced in the majority, with most noting a positive change. Alerts decreased pharmaceutical costs, moved medications toward preferred medications tiers and steered treatments toward evidence-based choices. They also decreased prescribing errors. Clinician feedback, rarely solicited, expressed frustration with alerts creating a time delay.

Conclusion

The current evidence shows a clear indication that many categories of alerts are effective in changing prescriber behaviour. However, it is unclear whether these behavioural changes lead to improved patient outcomes. Despite the rapid transition to CPOE use for patient care, there are few rigorous studies of triggered alerts and how workflow interruptions impact patient outcomes and provider acceptance.
Pre-operative embolization followed by clipping of Cognard type V dural arteriovenous fistula
Authors: Joshi Krishna C , Beer-Furlan André , Crowley R Webster , Munich Stephan A
Published: April 2021

This article has been retracted because it describes the use of an investigative agent that has not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration.
Stellate ganglion block used to treat reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome
Authors: Davis Jeffrey , Ozcan Mehmet S , Kamdar Jay K , Shoaib Maria
Published: April 2021

Background

We present a case report of a patient who developed severe reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome, which was worsening despite typical interventional and supportive care. We administered a stellate ganglion block (SGB) and monitored the vasospasm with transcranial Doppler measurements.

Case report

A 25-year-old woman was admitted with recurrent headaches and neurological symptoms, which angiography showed to be caused by diffuse, multifocal, segmental narrowing of the cerebral arteries leading to severe ischemia in multiple regions. Typical treatment was initiated with arterial verapamil followed by supportive critical care, including nimodipine, intravenous fluids, permissive hypertension, and analgesia. Vasospasm was monitored daily via transcranial Doppler ultrasound (TCD). After symptoms and monitoring suggested worsening vasospasm, an SGB was administered under ultrasound guidance. Block success was confirmed via pupillometry, and repeat TCD showed improved flow through the cerebral vasculature. Improvement in vascular flow was accompanied by a gradual reduction in acute neurological symptoms, with the patient reporting no headaches the following morning.

Conclusions

For patients with reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome who develop severe signs or symptoms despite typical treatment, sympathetic blockade may be a possible rescue therapy. This may extend to other causes of severe vasospasm as well, and further study is needed to determine if the SGB should be included in routine or rescue therapy.
Semiclassical two-step model for ionization by a strong laser pulse: further developments and applications
Authors: Shvetsov-Shilovski N. I.
Published: April 2021

We review the semiclassical two-step model for strong-field ionization. The semiclassical two-step model describes quantum interference and accounts for the ionic potential beyond the semiclassical perturbation theory. We discuss formulation and implementation of this model, its further developments, as well as some of the applications. The reviewed applications of the model include strong-field holography with photoelectrons, multielectron polarization effects in ionization by an intense laser pulse, and strong-field ionization of the hydrogen molecule.

Graphic Abstract
Accounting for the resistivity contribution of grain boundaries in metals: critical analysis of reported experimental and theoretical data for Ni and Cu
Authors: Bakonyi I.
Published: April 2021

In the present paper, reported literature data on the grain-size dependence of resistivity of Ni and Cu are critically evaluated by two conceptually different methods. One is the phenomenological approach of Andrews (Phys. Lett. 19: 558, 1965) according to which in a polycrystalline metal there is a resistivity contribution inversely proportional to the average grain diameter, the proportionality constant defined as the Andrews parameter A. The other method is the customary Mayadas–Shatzkes (MS) model (Phys Rev B 1: 1382, 1970) yielding a grain-boundary reflection coefficient R. During the analysis, special care was taken to rely only on data for which the surface scattering resistivity contribution was definitely negligibly small and the grain size was determined by direct microscopy imaging. By sorting out with this analysis the most reliable grain-size-dependent resistivity data for polycrystalline Ni and Cu metals with random grain boundaries, we have then derived the current best room-temperature values of the Andrews parameter A, the specific grain-boundary resistivity and the reflection coefficient R. We have also found a fairly good relation between the parameters A and R and compared the experimental values with their theoretical estimates reported in the literature. Then, the conceptual differences between the two approaches are discussed and the deficiencies of the MS model, especially in connection with the validity of Matthiessen’s rule, are highlighted. A major conclusion is that by the Andrews method one can derive a model-independent reliable parameter characterizing the grain-boundary contribution to the resistivity of metals.
Convergence rate towards the fractional Hartree equation with singular potentials in higher Sobolev trace norms
Authors: Hott Michael
Published: April 2021

In this work, we show convergence of the [Formula: see text]-particle bosonic Schrödinger equation towards the Hartree equation. Hereby, we extend the results of [I. Anapolitanos and M. Hott, A simple proof of convergence to the Hartree dynamics in Sobolev trace norms, J. Math. Phys. 57(12) (2016) 122108; I. Anapolitanos, M. Hott and D. Hundertmark, Derivation of the Hartree equation for compound Bose gases in the mean field limit, Rev. Math. Phys. 29(07) (2017) 1750022]. We first consider the semi-relativistic Hartree equation in the defocusing and the focusing cases. We show that Pickl’s projection method [P. Pickl, Derivation of the time dependent Gross–Pitaevskii equation without positivity condition on the interaction, J. Statist. Phys. 140(1) (2010) 76–89; P. Pickl, A simple derivation of mean field limits for quantum systems, Lett. Math. Phys. 97(2) (2011) 151–164; P. Pickl, Derivation of the time dependent Gross–Pitaevskii equation with external fields, Rev. Math. Phys. 27(1) (2015) 1550003], can be adapted to this problem. Next, we extend this result to the case of fractional Hartree equations with potentials that are more singular than the Coulomb potential. Finally, in the non-relativistic case, we derive the Hartree equation assuming only [Formula: see text] initial data for potentials with a quantitative bound on the convergence rate.
Boju–Funar type theorems via m-Bakry–Émery and m-modified Ricci curvatures
Authors: Tadano Homare
Published: April 2021

We establish some Boju–Funar type compactness criteria for complete Riemannian manifolds via [Formula: see text]-Bakry–Émery and [Formula: see text]-modified Ricci curvatures assuming that [Formula: see text]-Bakry–Émery and [Formula: see text]-modified Ricci curvatures tend slowly to zero as the distance from a fixed point goes to infinity. Our results are generalizations of Cheeger–Gromov–Taylor type compactness criteria for complete Riemannian manifolds via [Formula: see text]-Bakry–Émery and [Formula: see text]-modified Ricci curvatures established by Y. Soylu and the author.
Mixed convective heat transfer and heat generation simulation in lid-driven enclosure filled with porous medium
Authors: Souayeh Basma , Hdhiri Najib
Published: April 2021

Researchers in heat transfer field always attempt to find new solutions to optimize the performance of energy devices through heat transfer enhancement. Among various methods which are implemented to reinforce the thermal performance of energy systems, one is utilizing porous media in heat exchangers. In this study, characteristics of laminar mixed convection in a porous two-sided lid-driven square cavity induced by an internal heat generation at the bottom wall have been carried out by using a numerical methodology based on the finite volume method and the full multigrid acceleration. The two-sided and top walls of the enclosure are assumed to have cold temperature while the remaining walls of the bottom wall are insulated. The working fluid is air so that the Prandtl number equates 0.71. The behavior of different physical parameters is shown graphically so that computations have been conducted over a wide range of pertinent parameters; (10[Formula: see text] Ri [Formula: see text]), Darcy number ([Formula: see text] Da [Formula: see text]), internal Rayleigh number ([Formula: see text] Ra[Formula: see text]), the porosity ([Formula: see text]) and the Grashof number (10[Formula: see text] Gr [Formula: see text]). Results revealed that heat transfer mechanism and the flow characteristics inside the enclosure are strongly dependent on the Grashof number. For instance, the best heat transfer rates at the considered values of internal Rayleigh numbers are obtained for a high Grashof number. Furthermore, an increase of internal heat generation (RaI) leads to a higher flow and temperature intensities for Grashof numbers ranging from [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text] and a specific Richardson number value. Besides, an increase in porosity values ([Formula: see text]) leads to an obvious decrease in the average Nusselt number. Maximum temperature [Formula: see text] is optimal for high ([Formula: see text]) value. A correlation expression for the average Nusselt number relative to the internal heat source was established in function of two control parameters such as Darcy and Richardson numbers.
Mathematical modeling of diabetes and its restrain
Authors: Anusha S. , Athithan S.
Published: April 2021

In this paper, we have developed a mathematical model of diabetes (type-2 diabetes) in a deterministic approach. We have described our model in the population dynamics with four compartments. Namely, Susceptible, Imbalance Glucose Level (IGL), Treatment and Restrain population. Our model exhibits two nonnegative equilibrium points namely Disease Free Equilibrium (DFE) and Endemic Equilibrium (EE). The expression for the Treatment reproduction number [Formula: see text] is computed. We have proved that the equilibrium points of the model are locally and globally asymptotically stable under some conditions. Numerical simulation is performed to verify our analytical findings such as stability of DFE and EE. The simulations show better results based on the required conditions. We tried to fit our model with the data given by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) [D. Atlas, IDF Diabetes Atlas, 8th edn. (International Diabetes Federation, Brussels, Belgium, 2017)] and it suits well with the data. It has been found that our model shows the decrease in diabetes-affected population compared with the data given by the IDF [D. Atlas, IDF Diabetes Atlas, 8th edn. (International Diabetes Federation, Brussels, Belgium, 2017)].
High-Speed CMOS Three-Stage Amplifier Based on Feedback Attenuation
Authors: Asiyabi Tayebeh , Torfifard Jafar
Published: April 2021

This paper presents a new and simple frequency compensation scheme for multistage CMOS operational transconductance amplifiers (OTAs). In this work, by applying a differential block frequency compensation (DBFC) technique to a compensation network of three-stage OTA, the dominant pole is drastically improved independent from the DC gain path. The DBFC introduces amplified signal directly to the second-stage output through the compensation capacitor. The signal injection increases operational frequency range while just a single and small value capacitor is used as the Miller capacitor, which leads to considering the proposed configuration as a low die area occupation and high-speed amplifier. The simulation results show with the same capacitive load and power dissipation the gain bandwidth (GBW) frequency can be improved considerably compared to conventional nested Miller compensation. The presented circuit is simulated in a 0.18[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m CMOS technology with a 1.8[Formula: see text]V supply voltage. According to the results, the proposed circuit shows 102[Formula: see text]dB, 105[Formula: see text]MHz, and 343[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]W as the DC gain, GBW, and power consumption, respectively.
High Speed FIR Filter Using Radix-2r Multiplier and Its Application for Denoising EOG Signal
Authors: Kumar Gundugonti Kishore , Narayanam Balaji
Published: April 2021

In this paper, a modified finite impulse response (FIR) filter design has been proposed for the denoising bio-electrical signals like Electrooculography(EOG). The proposed filter architecture uses modified multiplier block, which is implemented using modified Radix-[Formula: see text] arithmetic-based representation for minimizing the multiple constant multiplication and conventional ripple carry adders are replaced with [Formula: see text] compressors. This proposed architecture is implemented by using Radix-[Formula: see text]-based multiplier and [Formula: see text] compressor architectures for achieving better improvement in the critical path delay. The Radix-[Formula: see text]-based arithmetic bit recording is used in order to reduce the design complexity of the multiplication. The proposed architecture significantly reduced the delay when compared to existing and conventional architectures.
A kinetic theory approach for 2D crowd dynamics with emotional contagion
Authors: Kim Daewa , O’Connell Kaylie , Ott William , Quaini Annalisa
Published: April 2021

In this paper, we present a computational modeling approach for the dynamics of human crowds, where the spreading of an emotion (specifically fear) has an influence on the pedestrians’ behavior. Our approach is based on the methods of the kinetic theory of active particles. The model allows us to weight between two competing behaviors depending on fear level: the search for less congested areas and the tendency to follow the stream unconsciously (herding). The fear level of each pedestrian influences their walking speed and is influenced by the fear levels of their neighbors. Numerically, we solve our pedestrian model with emotional contagion using an operator splitting scheme. We simulate evacuation scenarios involving two groups of interacting pedestrians to assess how domain geometry and the details of fear propagation impact evacuation dynamics. Further, we reproduce the evacuation dynamics of an experimental study involving distressed ants.
PROCESSING AND CHARACTERIZATION OF ECO-FRIENDLY CUTTING FLUID WITH NANO ADDITIVES FOR TURNING OPERATION
Authors: MARICHELVAM M. K. , MURUGAN S. SENTHIL , MAHESWARAN K. , VARMA D. SHYAMPRASAD
Published: April 2021

Machining quality depends on numerous factors such as speed, feed rate, quality of the materials, the cutting fluids used and so on. The quality of machining components can also be improved by using appropriate cutting fluids. In this study, the three different types of eco-friendly cutting fluids based on coconut oil with nano boric acid particles were synthesized with nanoadditives and characterized during the lathe-turning operation of mild steel. The obtained results were compared between the dry/plain turning (without the cutting fluid) and the turning with the cutting fluids like coconut oil and mineral oil with nanoparticles. In industries, a wide variety of cutting fluids are used; however, most of these cutting fluids are made up of synthetic materials which may affect the environment significantly. Hence, it is essential to develop eco-friendly cutting fluids for environmental sustainability. Here, the cutting fluids were characterized by the morphological study on nanoparticles (400[Formula: see text]nm) and the machined surface using scanning electron microscope (SEM), viscosity test, flash and fire point, surface roughness on machined part, tool tip-workpiece interface temperature, cutting force and flank wear measurement. The results showed that cutting fluids with 0.5% of boric acid had better performance.
Abraham–Rubin–Shelah open colorings and a large continuum
Authors: Gilton Thomas , Neeman Itay
Published: April 2021

We show that the Abraham–Rubin–Shelah Open Coloring Axiom is consistent with a large continuum, in particular, consistent with [Formula: see text]. This answers one of the main open questions from [U. Abraham, M. Rubin and S. Shelah, On the consistency of some partition theorems for continuous colorings, and the structure of [Formula: see text]-dense real order types, Ann. Pure Appl. Logic 325(29) (1985) 123–206]. As in [U. Abraham, M. Rubin and S. Shelah, On the consistency of some partition theorems for continuous colorings, and the structure of [Formula: see text]-dense real order types, Ann. Pure Appl. Logic 325(29) (1985) 123–206], we need to construct names for the so-called preassignments of colors in order to add the necessary homogeneous sets. However, the known constructions of preassignments (ours in particular) only work assuming the [Formula: see text]. In order to address this difficulty, we show how to construct such names with very strong symmetry conditions. This symmetry allows us to combine them in many different ways, using a new type of poset called a partition product. Partition products may be thought of as a restricted memory iteration with stringent isomorphism and coherent-overlap conditions on the memories. We finally construct, in [Formula: see text], the partition product which gives us a model of [Formula: see text] in which [Formula: see text].
Anderson t-motives and abelian varieties with MIQF: Results coming from an analogy
Authors: Grishkov A. , Logachev D.
Published: April 2021

Analogy between Anderson [Formula: see text]-motives and abelian varieties with multiplication by an imaginary quadratic field (MIQF) is a source of 2 results:

(1) A description of abelian varieties with MIQF of dimension [Formula: see text] and signature [Formula: see text] in terms of ”lattices” of dimension [Formula: see text] in [Formula: see text];

(2) A construction of exterior powers of abelian varieties with MIQF having [Formula: see text].
Grasp Pose Detection Based on Shape Simplification
Authors: Cao Chuqing , Liu Hanwei
Published: April 2021

For robots in an unstructured work environment, grasping unknown objects that have neither model data nor RGB data is very important. The key to robotic autonomous grasping is not only in the judgment of object type but also in the shape of the object. We present a new grasping approach based on the basic compositions of objects. The simplification of complex objects is conducive to the description of object shape and provides effective ideas for the selection of grasping strategies. First, the depth camera is used to obtain partial 3D data of the target object. Then the 3D data are segmented and the segmented parts are simplified to a cylinder, a sphere, an ellipsoid, and a parallelepiped according to the geometric and semantic shape characteristics. The grasp pose is constrained according to the simplified shape feature and the core part of the object is used for grasping training using deep learning. The grasping model was evaluated in a simulation experiment and robot experiment, and the experiment result shows that learned grasp score using simplified constraints is more robust to gripper pose uncertainty than without simplified constraint.
Untangling the role of tri-trophic food chain model in sustaining quokka population
Authors: Jain Sanjoli , Roy Parimita
Published: April 2021

The introduction of predators like red fox and dingoes in the 1930s took a big toll on the quokka population. This paper is mainly concerned with designing conservation policies for quokka population (an endangered species). For this purpose, we designed a reaction–diffusion tri-tropic food chain model consisting quokka and its two predators, red fox and dingoes. We have shown the global existence, non-negativity and uniform boundedness for the designed spatiotemporal model. Existence and stability analysis of the equilibrium points for the model is done. We applied the prevalent idea of basic reproduction number with its origin from epidemiology to the food chain model, to deduce a condition for extinction and persistence of predator population. Natural systems exhibit an amazing diversity of structures in both living and non-living systems. We found that in the presence of diffusion, the model has the potential of exhibiting Turing instability generating beautiful patterns. Numerical results reveal that quokka tends to avoid places resided by dingoes. Our research aims at finding a solution for the current quokka extinction problem by showing the effect of presence of alternative food for dingoes and prohibiting the external factor causing death of quokka population.
Distribution Design of Porous Layer Inside Muffler by Boundary Element Analysis
Authors: Xu Yanming , Zhao Wenchang , Chen Leilei , Chen Haibo
Published: April 2021

This study proposes an optimization approach to maximize the transmission loss (TL) of a muffler by optimizing the thickness of the embedded porous layer. The objective function, i.e. the TL value, is computed by the four-pole parameters based on the boundary element analysis, and the thicknesses assigned to the discretized elements are naturally chosen as the design variables, resulting in a continuous optimization problem. The sound-absorbing property of the porous layer is simulated using the local admittance boundary condition in the boundary element method (BEM) to link the objective function with the design variable. An efficient sensitivity analysis is developed on the basis of the adjoint variable method and the BEM. Finally, the method of moving asymptotes is applied to solve the optimization problem with the assistance of sensitivity information. As the design variable only affects the (local) admittance value, resulting in a diagonal admittance matrix, and the coefficient matrices of the boundary element analysis will not be influenced by the design variables, we can regard the overall optimization as highly efficient. Moreover, the proposed and previously developed (density-based) optimization approaches are compared. Results show high similarities in the optimization results, thus validating the presented optimization approach. The numerical results also indicate the frequency-dependency of the optimized design. The frequency-averaged TL in the frequency band of interest is selected as the objective function to achieve a multi-frequency optimization.
Diversifying Focused Testing for Unit Testing
Authors: Menéndez Héctor D. , Jahangirova Gunel , Sarro Federica , Tonella Paolo , Clark David
Published: April 2021

Software changes constantly, because developers add new features or modifications. This directly affects the effectiveness of the test suite associated with that software, especially when these new modifications are in a specific area that no test case covers. This article tackles the problem of generating a high-quality test suite to cover repeatedly a given point in a program, with the ultimate goal of exposing faults possibly affecting the given program point. Both search-based software testing and constraint solving offer ready, but low-quality, solutions to this: Ideally, a
maximally diverse
covering test set is required, whereas search and constraint solving tend to generate test sets with biased distributions. Our approach, Diversified Focused Testing (DFT), uses a search strategy inspired by GödelTest. We artificially inject parameters into the code branching conditions and use a bi-objective search algorithm to find diverse inputs by perturbing the injected parameters, while keeping the path conditions still satisfiable. Our results demonstrate that our technique, DFT, is able to cover a desired point in the code at least 90% of the time. Moreover, adding diversity improves the bug detection and the mutation killing abilities of the test suites. We show that DFT achieves better results than focused testing, symbolic execution, and random testing by achieving from 3% to 70% improvement in mutation score and up to 100% improvement in fault detection across 105 software subjects.
From the Editor: One Hundred and Going Strong
Authors: Rajeshwar Krishnan
Published: April 2021

A 100th birthday is always special and I am proud to be a small part of this Society’s growth and accomplishments through all these years. I made my debut as a “regular” at ECS meetings in 1979. As I dig out the fall 1979 Boston meeting brochure from the dusty piles in my office, I am first of all struck by its small size (as many of you may recall, the full size, 8.5 by 11, meeting booklet didn’t happen until a few years after that).