bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Active Janus Droplet as a Micro‐Reactor for Automatic DNA/RNA Precipitation and Extraction
Authors: Li Menglin , Seemann Ralf , Fleury Jean‐Baptiste
Published: May 2021

We explore the possibility to precipitate and to extract DNA, or RNA using an active water/ethanol Janus droplet. The active Janus droplet is initially formed by a single droplet made of a water/ethanol mixture in an oil/surfactant solution. This active droplet self‐propels and absorbs surfactant molecules, by advection, while moving in the oily phase. The surfactant absorption leads to a phase separation of the water/ethanol mixture and the formation of an active Janus droplet. This active Janus droplet is made of a water‐rich leading droplet and an ethanol‐rich trailing droplet. We employ this phase separation method to precipitate and to extract DNA, RNA, or DNA/RNA mixtures independently, in an automatic manner. This automatic precipitation and extraction of DNA, or RNA, is achieved by tuning their water solubility with the addition of salt and then it is demonstrated by fluorescence.
The Role of Al3+‐Based Aqueous Electrolytes in the Charge Storage Mechanism of MnOx Cathodes
Authors: Balland Véronique , Mateos Mickaël , Singh Arvinder , Harris Kenneth D. , Laberty‐Robert Christel , Limoges Benoît
Published: May 2021

Rechargeable aqueous aluminium batteries are the subject of growing interest, however, the charge storage mechanisms at manganese oxide‐based cathodes remain poorly understood. In essense, every study proposes a different mechanism. Here, an in situ spectroelectrochemical methodology is used to unambiguously demonstrate that reversible proton‐coupled MnO2‐to‐Mn2+ conversion is the main charge storage mechanism occurring at MnO2 cathodes for a range of slightly acidic Al3+‐based aqueous electrolytes, with the Al3+ hexaaquo complex playing the key role of proton donor. In Zn/MnO2 assemblies, this mechanism is associated with high gravimetric capacities and discharge potentials, up to 560 mAh g‐1 and 1.65 V respectively, attractive efficiencies (CE > 99.5% and EE > 82%) and excellent cyclability (almost 100% capacity retention over 1 400 cycles at 2 A g‐1). Finally, a critical analysis of the data previously published on MnOx cathodes in Al3+‐based aqueous electrolytes is conducted to conclude on a universal charge storage mechanism, i.e., the reversible electrodissolution/electrodeposition of MnO2.
Improvements in the fatigue design of support structures for offshore wind turbines
Authors: Schaumann Peter , Böhm Manuela , Schürmann Karsten
Published: May 2021

Extended keynote paper of Eurosteel 2021

This article provides an overview of the various support structures for offshore wind turbines and addresses the challenges that arise for the different design variants. First of all, the existing types of support structures are explained and their benefits and shortcomings discussed. Following that, the focus is on material fatigue and its analysis, which is of great importance due to the cyclic loading on the structures. A central topic of this article is the experimental evaluation of fatigue strength using large‐scale test setups and state‐of‐the‐art measurement methods. Critical and complex design details such as welds for extremely thick plates, tubular joints, grouted connections, large HV bolts and ring flanges are investigated to improve methods of analysis. Further, the new series of German standards (DIN 18088) for support structures for wind energy turbines and platforms is addressed. Finally, these topics are summarized and the importance of offshore wind energy for the transition to cleaner energy is emphasized.
Shear tests on demountable precast column connections
Authors: Yrjölä Jaakko , Bujnak Jan
Published: May 2021

Lately, there has been increasing demand for structural solutions and building technologies with minimalized CO2 footprint. One way to approach the carbon neutrality is through reuse of structural components. In order to enable economic reuse of precast concrete elements, their connections must be designed to allow an effortless dismount. While dismount ability provides additional value to the structure, it cannot have a negative impact on other crucial properties of the connection. One of those properties is the load‐transfer capacity. While the impact of improved demountability on the load‐transfer of axial forces is negligible, the capacity of such joints to transfer shear forces can be questioned, as it is often assumed to rely on the friction generated along compressed section. This paper studies the effects of an improvement of demountability on the shear‐transfer system in a bolted joint of precast concrete columns.
Development of Step‐Saving Alternative Synthetic Pathways for Functional π‐Conjugated Materials
Authors: Liu Ching‐Yuan , Lin Po‐Han , Lee Kun‐Mu
Published: May 2021

Synthetic organic chemists endeavor to develop new reaction conditions, improve product yields, and enhance atom economy (synthetic methodologies), whereas the material scientists strive to create novel functional molecules/structures, increase device stabilities, and promote power conversion efficiencies via device engineering (organic optoelectronics). However, these two prominent research fields seem to have no intersections. Since joining national central university in 2012, our research philosophy aims to narrow, or rather to bridge the gap between synthetic methodologies and π‐functional organic materials. In contrast to using multistep synthetic approaches based on Suzuki‐ or Stille coupling reactions, this personal account describes various step‐saving and viable synthesis‐shortcuts developed by our group, to access thiophene‐based small molecules for optoelectronic applications. We expect these succinct and user‐friendly alternative pathways designed by synthetic chemists would help material scientists to reach their target molecules in a more step‐economical manner.
Ustekinumab is more effective than azathioprine to prevent endoscopic postoperative recurrence in Crohn's disease
Authors: Buisson Anthony , Nancey Stéphane , Manlay Luc , Rubin David T , Hebuterne Xavier , Pariente Benjamin , Fumery Mathurin , Laharie David , Roblin Xavier , Bommelaer Gilles , Pereira Bruno , Peyrin‐Biroulet Laurent , Vuitton Lucine ,   the USTEK Post‐Op study group
Published: May 2021

Background

Preventing postoperative recurrence (POR) is a major concern in Crohn's disease (CD). While azathioprine is an option, no data is available on ustekinumab efficacy in this situation.

Aims

We compared the effectiveness of ustekinumab versus azathioprine in preventing endoscopic POR in CD.

Methods

We retrospectively collected data from all consecutive CD patients treated with ustekinumab after intestinal resection in 9 centers. The control group (azathioprine alone) was composed of patients who participated in a randomized controlled trial conducted in the same centers comparing azathioprine alone or in combination with curcumin. Propensity score analyses (inversed probability of treatment weighting = IPTW) were applied to compare the two groups. The primary endpoint was endoscopic POR (Rutgeerts' index ≥ i2) at 6 months.

Results

Overall, 32 patients were included in the ustekinumab group and 31 in the azathioprine group. The propensity score analysis was adjusted on the main risk factors (smoking, fistulizing phenotype, prior bowel resection, resection length >30 cm and ≥2 biologics before surgery) and thiopurines or ustekinumab exposure prior to surgery making the two arms comparable (∣d∣ < 0.2). After IPTW, the rate of endoscopic POR at 6 months was lower in patients treated with ustekinumab compared to azathioprine (28.0% vs. 54.5%, p = 0.029). After IPTW, the rates of i2b‐endoscopic POR (Rutgeerts' index ≥ i2b) and severe endoscopic POR (Rutgeerts' index ≥ i3) were 20.8% versus 42.5% (p = 0.066) and 16.9% versus 27.9% (p = 0.24), in the ustekinumab and azathioprine groups, respectively.

Conclusion

Ustekinumab seemed to be more effective than azathioprine in preventing POR in this cohort of CD patients.
Relativistic coupled‐cluster and equation‐of‐motion coupled‐cluster methods
Authors: Liu Junzi , Cheng Lan
Published: May 2021

The development of relativistic coupled‐cluster (CC) and equation‐of‐motion coupled‐cluster (EOM‐CC) methods is reviewed. An emphasis is placed on recent efforts to improve the computational efficiency of CC and EOM‐CC calculations with non‐perturbative treatments of spin‐orbit coupling (SO‐CC and EOM‐CC) by partially recovering spin symmetry in the formulations. Example calculations of electronic ground state as well as valence‐excited and core‐excited states for molecules containing heavy elements are presented to demonstrate the applicability and usefulness of the SO‐CC and EOM‐CC methods. Future directions for the development of the SO‐CC and EOM‐CC methods are also discussed.

This article is categorized under:

Electronic Structure Theory > Ab Initio Electronic Structure Methods
Emotional contagion in nonhuman animals: A review
Authors: Pérez‐Manrique Ana , Gomila Antoni
Published: May 2021

Emotional contagion, the emotional state‐matching of an individual with another, seems to be crucial for many social species. In recent years evidence on emotional contagion in different animal species has accumulated. However, despite its adaptative advantages and its presumed simplicity, the study and direct demonstration of this phenomenon present more complexities than previously thought. For these reasons, a review of the literature on emotional contagion in nonhuman species is timely to integrate current findings. In this paper thus, we carry out a comprehensive review of the most relevant studies on emotional contagion in animals and discuss the main problems and challenges of the field. We conclude that more research is needed to broaden our understanding of the mechanisms and functions of emotional contagion and the extent to which this process is present in a wide variety of species. Furthermore, the comparative study of emotional contagion would benefit from the use of systematized paradigms including both behavioral and physiological measures and the simultaneous recording of the responses of the interacting individuals to reliably assess an emotional state‐matching between them and reliable controls.

This article is categorized under:

Cognitive Biology > Evolutionary Roots of Cognition

Psychology > Comparative Psychology

Psychology > Emotion and Motivation
Multi‐fidelity digital twin structural model for a sub‐scale downwind wind turbine rotor blade
Authors: Chetan Mayank , Yao Shulong , Griffith D. Todd
Published: May 2021

This paper presents the development of a multi‐fidelity digital twin structural model (virtual model) of an as‐built wind turbine blade. The goal is to develop and demonstrate an approach to produce an accurate and detailed model of the as‐built blade for use in verifying the performance of the operating two‐bladed, downwind rotor. The digital twin model development methodology, presented herein, involves a novel calibration process to integrate a wide range of information including design specifications, manufacturing information, and structural testing data (modal and static) to produce a multi‐fidelity digital twin structural model: a detailed high‐fidelity model (i.e., 3D finite element analysis [FEA]) and consistent beam‐type models for aeroelastic simulation. A key element is that the multi‐fidelity structural digital twin method follows the rotor from the stages of design, to manufacturing, then to the ground testing and field operation. The result of this comprehensive approach is an accurate multi‐fidelity digital twin structural model for the geometric, structural, and structural dynamic properties of the as‐built blade within a 1% match in mass properties, 3.2% in blade frequencies, and 6% in deflection. The different stages of processing this information within the methodology are discussed. The rotor examined is the SUMR‐Demonstrator (SUMR‐D), which was installed on the Controls Advanced Research Testbed (CART‐2) wind turbine at the National Wind Technology Center. The digital twin model developed here was utilized to design controllers to safely operate SUMR‐D in field tests, which are providing additional data for further evaluation and development of the multi‐fidelity digital twin structural model.
Applications of optimization models for electricity distribution networks
Authors: Claeys Sander , Vanin Marta , Geth Frederik , Deconinck Geert
Published: May 2021

Increased penetration of low‐carbon technologies, such as residential photovoltaic systems, electric vehicles, and batteries, can potentially cause voltage quality issues in distribution networks. Active distribution networks adopt control schemes where these assets are actively managed to prevent potential issues, increasing the network utilization. Mathematical optimization is a key technology in enabling such applications, either directly as the underlying solution, or for benchmarking effectiveness. As networks are operated closer to their engineering limits, models representing distribution network physics become increasingly important. This article reviews how distribution networks are modeled with varying degrees of detail in the context of optimization problems. It goes on to catalog the applications that use such models, and ends with an overview of toolchains to implement them, to enable the transition from the passive to active management of the distribution system.

This article is categorized under:

Energy Systems Analysis > Systems and Infrastructure
Inclusion and Resilience in the Bioeconomy
Authors: Asveld Lotte
Published: May 2021

New technological developments such as CRISPR-Cas, advanced genetic sequencing and the digitalization of agriculture offer promising prospects to realize the potential of a sustainable bioeconomy. At the same time, enormous challenges abound such as the pressure on biodiversity and the associated risk of pandemics, climate change and the ever-increasing global economic inequality. The bioeconomy can play a beneficial role in this; however, this will only be possible if the bioeconomy is developed on the basis of inclusion. In this chapter I will explain the relevance of inclusion for the bioeconomy and describe some of the sociotechnical developments where inclusion should be realized in order to build a resilient and sustainable bioeconomy. These developments include biosphere capacity, global biobased value chains, digital genetic resources and the digitalization of agriculture. I will conclude with the question of who bears responsibility for an inclusive bioeconomy.
Gauge-invariant TMD factorization for Drell-Yan hadronic tensor at small x
Authors: Balitsky I.
Published: May 2021

Abstract

The Drell-Yan hadronic tensor for electromagnetic (EM) current is calculated in the Sudakov region $$ s\gg {Q}^2\gg {q}_{\perp}^2 $$
s
≫

Q
2

≫

q
⊥
2

with $$ \frac{1}{Q^2} $$

1

Q
2

accuracy, first at the tree level and then with the double-log accuracy. It is demonstrated that in the leading order in Nc the higher-twist quark-quark-gluon TMDs reduce to leading-twist TMDs due to QCD equation of motion. The resulting tensor for unpolarized hadrons is EM gauge-invariant and depends on two leading-twist TMDs: f1 responsible for total DY cross section, and Boer-Mulders function $$ {h}_1^{\perp } $$

h
1
⊥

. The order-of-magnitude estimates of angular distributions for DY process seem to agree with LHC results at corresponding kinematics.
Inozemtsev system as Seiberg-Witten integrable system
Authors: Argyres Philip C. , Chalykh Oleg , Lü Yongchao
Published: May 2021

Abstract

In this work we establish that the Inozemtsev system is the Seiberg-Witten integrable system encoding the Coulomb branch physics of 4d $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 USp(2N) gauge theory with four fundamental and (for N ≥ 2) one antisymmetric tensor hypermultiplets. We describe the transformation from the spectral curves and canonical one-forms of the Inozemtsev system in the N = 1 and N = 2 cases to the Seiberg-Witten curves and differentials explicitly, along with the explicit matching of the modulus of the elliptic curve of spectral parameters to the gauge coupling of the field theory, and of the couplings of the Inozemtsev system to the field theory mass parameters. This result is a particular instance of a more general correspondence between crystallographic elliptic Calogero-Moser systems with Seiberg-Witten integrable systems, which will be explored in future work.
Co-occurrence and potential resource partitioning between oligochaetes and chironomid larvae in a sediment depth gradient
Authors: Kornijów Ryszard , Pawlikowski Krzysztof , Błędzki Leszek A. , Drgas Aleksander , Piwosz Kasia , Ameryk Anetta , Całkiewicz Joanna
Published: May 2021

Although detritivorous Tubificinae and chironomid larvae are important groups in functioning of both, fresh and brackish water ecosystem, their co-occurrence patterns in sediment is weakly known. We carried out two-year-long research in the brackish Vistula Lagoon (southern Baltic Sea), where both Tubificinae (Limnodrilus hoffmeisteriandPotamothrix hammoniensis) and larvae ofChironomus balatonicusoccur in high densities. Because of different source of their food, we hypothesized that the ecological interactions between those two groups of detritivores are not antagonistic, thus allowing for their co-occurrence along the depth of sediment profile with lack of competition for space. Here we show that maximum burrowing depth, occasionally reaching 25 cm was significantly affected by the total density of the each group in the entire core. Tubificinae andC. balatonicusshowed the highest density at 0–10 cm depth, where they co-occurred most frequently, with significant co-occurrence in the layers of 0–2 cm and 2–5 cm. We propose a hypothetical model of interactions between apparently the same functional groups and the complementary role they play in sediment reworking. It points to their coexistence in the shared microhabitat, but using space and food resources differently. Also, the consequences of their activity and habitat structuring are opposite—Chironomuslarvae mostly affect the deeper layers of the sediments, while Oligochaeta both the deeper and surface layers. Thus, their requirements and ecological roles seem not to overlap, preventing competitive exclusion and allowing for co-occurrence.
Polyanalytic Toeplitz Operators: Isomorphisms, Symbolic Calculus and Approximation of Weyl Operators
Authors: Keller Johannes , Luef Franz
Published: May 2021

We discuss an extension of Toeplitz quantization based on polyanalytic functions. We derive isomorphism theorem for polyanalytic Toeplitz operators between weighted Sobolev-Fock spaces of polyanalytic functions, which are images of modulation spaces under polyanalytic Bargmann transforms. This generalizes well-known results from the analytic setting. Finally, we derive an asymptotic symbol calculus and present an asymptotic expansion of complex Weyl operators in terms of polyanalytic Toeplitz operators.
Erratum zu: Digital Divide – Soziale Unterschiede in der Nutzung digitaler Gesundheitsangebote
Authors: Müller Alejandro Cornejo , Wachtler Benjamin , Lampert Thomas
Published: May 2021

Ein Erratum zu dieser Publikation wurde veröffentlicht: 10.1007/s00103-019-03081-y
Experimental investigation of the effects of cryogenic cooling on tool life in Ti6Al4V milling
Authors: Albertelli Paolo , Mussi Valerio , Strano Matteo , Monno Michele
Published: May 2021

In this paper, the results of an experimental campaign of cryogenic milling are presented and discussed. For this purpose, a specific experimental setup that allowed to feed the liquid nitrogen LN through the tool nozzles was used. Tool life tests were carried out at different cutting speeds. The tool duration data were collected and used to identify the parameters of the Taylor’s model. Different end-of-life criteria for the tool inserts were even investigated. The achieved results are compared to those obtained using conventional cooling. It was observed that at low cutting velocity, conventional cooling still assures longer tool lives than in cryogenic condition. Since in cryogenic milling the increasing of the cutting velocity is not so detrimental as in conventional cutting, at high cutting speed (from 125 m/min) longer tool durations can be achieved. Statistical analyses on the model parameters were carried out to confirm the presented findings. The analysis of the effect of the cooling approach on the main wear mechanisms was also reported. At low cutting speed, adhesion and chipping phenomena affected the tool duration mainly in cryogenic milling.
Non-covalent double bond sensors for gas-phase infrared spectroscopy of unsaturated fatty acids
Authors: Kirschbaum Carla , Greis Kim , Lettow Maike , Gewinner Sandy , Schöllkopf Wieland , Meijer Gerard , von Helden Gert , Pagel Kevin
Published: May 2021

The position and configuration of carbon-carbon double bonds in unsaturated fatty acids is crucial for their biological functions and influences health and disease. However, double bond isomers are not routinely distinguished by classical mass spectrometry workflows. Instead, they require sophisticated analytical approaches usually based on chemical derivatization and/or instrument modification. In this work, a novel strategy to investigate fatty acid double bond isomers (18:1) without prior chemical treatment or modification of the ion source was implemented by non-covalent adduct formation in the gas phase. Fatty acid adducts with sodium, pyridinium, trimethylammonium, dimethylammonium, and ammonium cations were characterized by a combination of cryogenic gas-phase infrared spectroscopy, ion mobility-mass spectrometry, and computational modeling. The results reveal subtle differences between double bond isomers and confirm three-dimensional geometries constrained by non-covalent ion-molecule interactions. Overall, this study on fatty acid adducts in the gas phase explores new avenues for the distinction of lipid double bond isomers and paves the way for further investigations of coordinating cations to increase resolution.

Graphical abstract
Voting power on a graph connected political space with an application to decision-making in the Council of the European Union
Authors: Benati Stefano , Vittucci Marzetti Giuseppe
Published: May 2021

We analyze the problem of computing the Banzhaf and Shapley power indices for graph restricted voting games, defined in a particular class of graphs, that we called line-clique. A line-clique graph is a model of a uni-dimensional political space in which voters with the same bliss point are the connected vertices of a clique and then other arcs connect nodes of consecutive cliques. The interest to this model comes from its correspondence to the spatial voting game: a model that has been proposed and used by political analysts to understand nations’ behavior and the political outcome of the bargaining process within the EU Council. Broadly speaking, the computation of a power index of a graph restricted game is strongly #P-complete, as it includes the enumeration of all winning coalitions. Nevertheless, we show that in this special class of graph coalitions can be enumerated by dynamic programming, resulting in a pseudo-polynomial algorithm and proving that the problem only weakly #P-complete. After implementing our new algorithms and finding that they are very fast in practice, we analyze the voting behavior in the EU Council, as for this application previous research compiled a large data set concerning nations’ political positions and political outcomes. We will test whether voting power has an effect on the political outcome, more precisely, whether nations that are favored by their weight and position can influence the political outcome to their advantages. Using linear regressions, we will see that unrestricted power indices are not capable of any predictive property, but graph restricted indices are. The statistic evidence shows that the combination of voting weight and network position is a source of power that affects the political outcome to the advantage of a country.
Understanding nonsense correlation between (independent) random walks in finite samples
Authors: Hassler Uwe , Hosseinkouchack Mehdi
Published: May 2021

Consider two independent random walks. By chance, there will be spells of association between them where the two processes move in the same direction, or in opposite direction. We compute the probabilities of the length of the longest spell of such random association for a given sample size, and discuss measures like mean and mode of the exact distributions. We observe that long spells (relative to small sample sizes) of random association occur frequently, which explains why nonsense correlation between short independent random walks is the rule rather than the exception. The exact figures are compared with approximations. Our finite sample analysis as well as the approximations rely on two older results popularized by Révész (Stat Pap 31:95–101, 1990, Statistical Papers). Moreover, we consider spells of association between correlated random walks. Approximate probabilities are compared with finite sample Monte Carlo results.
DNN Expression Rate Analysis of High-Dimensional PDEs: Application to Option Pricing
Authors: Elbrächter Dennis , Grohs Philipp , Jentzen Arnulf , Schwab Christoph
Published: May 2021

We analyze approximation rates by deep ReLU networks of a class of multivariate solutions of Kolmogorov equations which arise in option pricing. Key technical devices are deep ReLU architectures capable of efficiently approximating tensor products. Combining this with results concerning the approximation of well-behaved (i.e., fulfilling some smoothness properties) univariate functions, this provides insights into rates of deep ReLU approximation of multivariate functions with tensor structures. We apply this in particular to the model problem given by the price of a European maximum option on a basket of d assets within the Black–Scholes model for European maximum option pricing. We prove that the solution to the d-variate option pricing problem can be approximated up to an $$\varepsilon $$
ε
-error by a deep ReLU network with depth $${\mathcal {O}}\big (\ln (d)\ln (\varepsilon ^{-1})+\ln (d)^2\big )$$

O

(

ln

(
d
)

ln

(

ε

-
1

)

+
ln

(
d
)

2

)

and $${\mathcal {O}}\big (d^{2+\frac{1}{n}}\varepsilon ^{-\frac{1}{n}}\big )$$

O

(

d

2
+

1
n

ε

-

1
n

)

nonzero weights, where $$n\in {\mathbb {N}}$$

n
∈
N

is arbitrary (with the constant implied in $${\mathcal {O}}(\cdot )$$

O
(
·
)

depending on n). The techniques developed in the constructive proof are of independent interest in the analysis of the expressive power of deep neural networks for solution manifolds of PDEs in high dimension.
Patients’ perceived walking abilities, daily-life gait behavior and gait quality before and 3 months after total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Fransen Bas L. , Pijnappels Mirjam , Butter Ise K. , Burger B. J. , van Dieën J. H. , Hoozemans M. J. M.
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Functional outcome and patients’ daily-life activities after total knee arthroplasty are becoming more important with a younger and more active patient population. In addition to patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), trunk-based accelerometry has shown to be a promising method for evaluating gait function after total knee arthroplasty. The aim of this study was to evaluate daily-life perceived walking abilities, gait behavior and gait quality before and 3 months after total knee arthroplasty, using PROMs and trunk-based accelerometry.

Materials and methods

A cohort of 38 patients completed questionnaires including the Oxford Knee Score and modified Gait Efficacy Scale before and 3 months after primary unilateral total knee arthroplasty. At both time points, they wore a tri-axial accelerometer at the lower back for seven consecutive days and nights. Gait behavior was calculated using gait quantity and walking speed, and multiple gait quality parameters were calculated.

Results

Significant improvements were seen after 3 months in the Oxford Knee Score [median (interquartile range) 29 (10) vs 39 (8), p < 0.001] and modified Gait Efficacy Scale [median (interquartile range) 67 (24) vs 79 (25), p = 0.001]. No significant changes were observed in gait behavior (quantity and speed) or gait quality variables.

Conclusions

In contrast to the significant improvements in patients’ perception of their walking abilities and PROMs, patients did not show improvements in gait behavior and gait quality. This implies that after 3 months patients’ perceived functional abilities after total knee arthroplasty do not necessarily represent their actual daily-life quantity and quality of gait, and that more focus is needed on postoperative rehabilitation to improve gait and functional behavior.
In vivo measurements of spinal stiffness according to a stepwise increase of axial load
Authors: Glaus Lea Suzanne , Hofstetter Léonie , Guekos Alexandros , Schweinhardt Petra , Swanenburg Jaap
Published: May 2021

Background

The spine has a complex motor control. Its different stabilization mechanisms through passive, active, and neurological subsystems may result in spinal stiffness. To better understand lumbar spinal motor control, this study aimed to measure the effects of increasing the axial load on spinal stiffness.

Methods

A total of 19 healthy young participants (mean age, 24 ± 2.1 years; 8 males and 11 females) were assessed in an upright standing position. Under different axial loads, the posterior-to-anterior spinal stiffness of the thoracic and lumbar spine was measured. Loads were 0%, 10%, 45%, and 80% of the participant’s body weight.

Results

Data were normally distributed and showed excellent reliability. A repeated-measures analysis of variance with a Greenhouse–Geisser correction showed an effect of the loading condition on the mean spinal stiffness [F (2.6, 744) = 3.456, p < 0.001]. Vertebrae and loading had no interaction [F (2.6, 741) = 0.656, p = 0.559]. Post hoc tests using Bonferroni correction revealed no changes with 10% loading (p = 1.000), and with every additional step of loading, spinal stiffness decreased: 0% or 10–45% loading (p < 0.001), 0% or 10–80% loading (p < 0.001), and 45–80% (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

We conclude that a load of ≥ 45% of the participant’s body weight can lead to changes in the spinal motor control. An axial load of 10% showed no significant changes. Rehabilitation should include high-axial-load exercise if needed in everyday living.
A free boundary characterisation of the Root barrier for Markov processes
Authors: Gassiat Paul , Oberhauser Harald , Zou Christina Z.
Published: May 2021

We study the existence, optimality, and construction of non-randomised stopping times that solve the Skorokhod embedding problem (SEP) for Markov processes which satisfy a duality assumption. These stopping times are hitting times of space-time subsets, so-called Root barriers. Our main result is, besides the existence and optimality, a potential-theoretic characterisation of this Root barrier as a free boundary. If the generator of the Markov process is sufficiently regular, this reduces to an obstacle PDE that has the Root barrier as free boundary and thereby generalises previous results from one-dimensional diffusions to Markov processes. However, our characterisation always applies and allows, at least in principle, to compute the Root barrier by dynamic programming, even when the well-posedness of the informally associated obstacle PDE is not clear. Finally, we demonstrate the flexibility of our method by replacing time by an additive functional in Root’s construction. Already for multi-dimensional Brownian motion this leads to new class of constructive solutions of (SEP).
Forming new habits in the face of chronic cancer-related fatigue: An interpretative phenomenological study
Authors: Bootsma Tom I. , Schellekens Melanie P. J. , van Woezik Rosalie A. M. , Slatman Jenny , van der Lee Marije L.
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The growing group of patients who suffer from chronic cancer-related fatigue (CCRF) after cancer have helpful and less helpful ways of responding to this long-lasting and disruptive problem. This qualitative study aimed to gain insight in essential elements of how patients respond to CCRF, with a focus on helpful responses to facilitate adaptation.

Methods

We conducted semi-structured interviews with a purposive sample of 25 participants who experienced severe CCRF for at least 3 months. Participants were recruited via media, patient associations, meetings, and health professionals until data saturation was attained. We used a topic guide with open-ended questions about lived experiences. Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) was used for analysis of the transcripts.

Results

We identified five interrelated themes of how patients respond to CCRF: (1) discovering physical and emotional boundaries; (2) communicating support needs; (3) reorganizing and planning activities and rest; (4) letting go of one’s habitual identity; and (5) recognizing and accepting CCRF.

Conclusion

This study highlights the development of new habits and positive beliefs in the face of CCRF and the importance of (social) support in this process. This experiential knowledge on helpful responses can be used to inform patients and their significant others and improve self-efficacy. Health professionals could use these insights to improve recognition of CCRF and personalize treatment.
Correction to: Smell and taste in cervical dystonia
Authors: Herr Thorsten , Hummel Thomas , Vollmer Marcus , Willert Carsten , Veit Birgitt , Gamain Julie , Fleischmann Robert , Lehnert Bernhard , Mueller Jan-Uwe , Stenner Andrea , Kronenbuerger Martin
Published: May 2021

A correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00702-021-02340-0
TOOLympics I: Competition on software testing
Authors: Beyer Dirk , Huisman Marieke
Published: May 2021

Research competitions and challenges are a driving force in transferring theoretical results into working software tools that demonstrate the state of the art in the respective field of research. Regular comparative evaluations provide guidance to practitioners that have to select new technology and tools for their development process. In order to support competitions and challenges with an appropriate publication venue, a new theme of issues in the International Journal on Software Tools for Technology Transfer was created. This issue is the inaugural issue of the newly introduced theme on “Competitions and Challenges” (CoCha). Test-Comp, the International Competition on Software Testing, is an example of a tool competition, where the research teams submit tools for test-generation, and the competition evaluates the tools and assigns scores according to achieved coverage. Test-Comp 2019 was part of the TOOLympics event, which took place as part of the 25-year celebration of the conference TACAS. Thus, it is most natural to start the new STTT-CoCha theme with a special issue that describes the results and participating systems of Test-Comp 2019. There will be a second issue on TOOLympics with contributions from other competitions.
Reweighting of Binaural Localization Cues Induced by Lateralization Training
Authors: Klingel Maike , Kopčo Norbert , Laback Bernhard
Published: May 2021

Normal-hearing listeners adapt to alterations in sound localization cues. This adaptation can result from the establishment of a new spatial map of the altered cues or from a stronger relative weighting of unaltered compared to altered cues. Such reweighting has been shown for monaural vs. binaural cues. However, studies attempting to reweight the two binaural cues, interaural differences in time (ITD) and level (ILD), yielded inconclusive results. This study investigated whether binaural-cue reweighting can be induced by lateralization training in a virtual audio-visual environment. Twenty normal-hearing participants, divided into two groups, completed the experiment consisting of 7 days of lateralization training, preceded and followed by a test measuring the binaural-cue weights. Participants’ task was to lateralize 500-ms bandpass-filtered (2–4 kHz) noise bursts containing various combinations of spatially consistent and inconsistent binaural cues. During training, additional visual cues reinforced the azimuth corresponding to ITDs in one group and ILDs in the other group and the azimuthal ranges of the binaural cues were manipulated group-specifically. Both groups showed a significant increase of the reinforced-cue weight from pre- to posttest, suggesting that participants reweighted the binaural cues in the expected direction. This reweighting occurred within the first training session. The results are relevant as binaural-cue reweighting likely occurs when normal-hearing listeners adapt to new acoustic environments. Reweighting might also be a factor underlying the low contribution of ITDs to sound localization of cochlear-implant listeners as they typically do not experience reliable ITD cues with clinical devices.
How to Deter Financial Misconduct if Crime Pays?
Authors: Klimczak Karol Marek , Sison Alejo José G. , Prats Maria , Torres Maximilian B.
Published: May 2021

Financial misconduct has come into the spotlight in recent years, causing market regulators to increase the reach and severity of interventions. We show that at times the economic benefits of illicit financial activity outweigh the costs of litigation. We illustrate our argument with data from the US Securities and Exchanges Commission and a case of investment misconduct. From the neoclassical economic paradigm, which follows utilitarian thinking, it is rational to engage in misconduct. Still, the majority of professionals refrain from misconduct, foregoing economic rewards. We suggest financial activity could be reimagined taking into account intrinsic and prosocial motivations. A virtue ethics framework could also be applied, linking financial behavior to the quest for moral excellence and shared flourishing. By going beyond utilitarian thinking and considering alternative models, we offer a fuller account of financial behavior and a better perspective from which to design deterrence methods.
New horizons in cosmology with spectral distortions of the cosmic microwave background
Authors: Chluba J. , Abitbol M. H. , Aghanim N. , Ali-Haïmoud Y. , Alvarez M. , Basu K. , Bolliet B. , Burigana C. , de Bernardis P. , Delabrouille J. , Dimastrogiovanni E. , Finelli F. , Fixsen D. , Hart L. , Hernández-Monteagudo C. , Hill J. C. , Kogut A. , Kohri K. , Lesgourgues J. , Maffei B. , Mather J. , Mukherjee S. , Patil S. P. , Ravenni A. , Remazeilles M. , Rotti A. , Rubiño-Martin J. A. , Silk J. , Sunyaev R. A. , Switzer E. R.
Published: May 2021

This Voyage 2050 paper highlights the unique science opportunities using spectral distortions of the cosmic microwave background (CMB). CMB spectral distortions probe many processes throughout the history of the Universe, delivering novel information that complements past, present and future efforts with CMB anisotropy and large-scale structure studies. Precision spectroscopy, possible with existing technology, would not only provide key tests for processes expected within the cosmological standard model but also open an enormous discovery space to new physics. This offers unique scientific opportunities for furthering our understanding of inflation, recombination, reionization and structure formation as well as dark matter and particle physics. A dedicated experimental approach could open this new window to the early Universe in the decades to come, allowing us to turn the long-standing upper distortion limits obtained with COBE/FIRAS some 25 years ago into clear detections of the expected standard distortion signals and also challenge our current understanding of the laws of nature.
Relations of Restricted and Repetitive Behaviors to Social Skills in Toddlers with Autism
Authors: Chaxiong Pang , Burrows Catherine , Botteron Kelly N. , Dager Stephen R. , Estes Annette M. , Hazlett Heather C. , Schultz Robert T. , Zwaigenbaum Lonnie , Piven Joseph , Wolff Jason ,   IBIS Network, Piven J. , Hazlett H. C. , Chappell C. , Shen M. , Swanson M. , Dager S. , Estes A. , Shaw D. , John T. St. , Botteron K. , Constantino J. , Schultz R. , Pandey J. , Estes A. , Zwaigenbaum L. , Elison J. , Wolff J. , Styner M. , Gerig G. , McKinstry R. , Pruett J. , Evans A. C. , Collins D. L. , Fonov V. , MacIntyre L. , Das S. , Gu H. , Truong K. , Volk H. , Fallin D. , Shen M.
Published: May 2021

We examined the relations of restricted and repetitive behaviors (RRB; insistence on sameness, repetitive sensory-motor, self-injurious behavior) to social skills overall and aspects that comprise social skills as measured by the VABS-II (coping skills, play/leisure time, interpersonal relationships) in 24- (n = 63) and 36-month old (n = 35), high-familial-risk toddlers with ASD. Hierarchical linear regression results indicated that repetitive sensory-motor was the best predictor of social skills overall. Secondary results indicated that all three RRB subtypes were associated with each subdomain of social skills; however, repetitive sensory-motor was the strongest and most consistent among these effects. While our results suggests a general negative relation of subtypes of RRB to aspects of adaptive social function, repetitive sensory-motor behaviors may be of particular relevance to the development of social skills during toddlerhood.
Mothers, Fathers, and Student Loans: Contributing Factors of Familial Conflict Among Parents Repaying Student Loan Debt for Children
Authors: Balmuth Alexa , Miller Julie , Brady Samantha , D’Ambrosio Lisa , Coughlin Joseph
Published: May 2021

As college costs rise in the United States, many parents are forced to make difficult decisions about how to pay for their children’s higher education. Stress and conflict accompany financial issues and play a role in the financial picture for many families. Using Hill’s (Hill, Social casework 39:139–150, 1958) ABC-X model of family stress as a framework, this study describes results of a national survey of parents contributing to student loan payments for their child’s education and explores how this experience may play a role in familial conflict. Findings suggest marked gender differences in the relationship between contribution reason and the experience of conflict. Results also carry implications for financial professionals, suggesting a need for family-focused and gender-conscious financial education both before and during the student loan repayment process.
The synthesis and nanostructure investigation of noble metal-based nanocomposite materials
Authors: Zienkiewicz-Strzałka Małgorzata , Deryło-Marczewska Anna , Pikus Stanisław
Published: May 2021

The presented work follows the theme of applied chemistry toward nanomaterials and multiphase functional systems of practical importance. Structural studies of nanocomposite materials are important due to the correlation between physicochemical/structural properties and their application potential. In this work, we report the fabrication and structural characterization of nanocomposite materials constituting noble metal (plasmonic) nanoparticles (AgNP and AuNP) dispersed on selected types of nanostructured solid hosts (nonporous silica, microporous activated carbon, chitosan biopolymer, and ordered mesoporous silica). The ability to maintain a dispersed state of colloidal precursors throughout their deposition on solid hosts was assessed. The influence of the carrier role in the formation and stabilization of nanometallic phases was evaluated taking into account the physicochemical and textural properties of the support surfaces. The size and shape of nanoobjects, clustering effects, interfacial properties, and stability of the immobilized nanophase were implemented by analyzing relevant parameters of SAXS analysis. The dimensional characteristic of the scatterers was evaluated by volume-weighted particle size distribution Dv(R). The detailed overall shape and maximal particle dimension were described by the analysis of pair distance distribution functions (PDDFs). The radius of gyration (Rg) from PDDF and Guinier approximation was calculated for illustrating the dimension of scattered heterogeneities in the investigated solids. The asymptotic behavior of a scattering curve and Porod theory were applied for determining the diffusion and quality of the interfacial surfaces. The size and morphology of nanoparticles in colloidal precursor solutions have been defined as spherical and bimodal in size (~ 6 nm and 20 nm). It was observed that the spherical shape and dispersed state of nanoparticles were achieved for all systems after deposition. However, the morphology of their final form was conditioned by the solid matrices. The particle properties from SAXS were correlated with properties determined by TEM and low-temperature nitrogen sorption analysis. Obtained results suggest good compatibility and correctness of SAXS data reading of nanocomposite systems and can be successfully applied for quick, nondestructive, and effective evaluation of structural properties of complex systems.

Graphical abstract
Bayesian optimization of quantum cascade detectors
Authors: Popp Johannes , Haider Michael , Franckié Martin , Faist Jérôme , Jirauschek Christian
Published: May 2021

A Bayesian optimization algorithm in combination with a scattering based simulation approach is used for the optimization of quantum cascade detectors (QCDs). QCDs operate in the mid-infrared and terahertz regime and are, together with quantum cascade lasers, appropriate for the integration into on-chip applications such as gas sensors. Our modeling approach is based on a rate equation model and a Kirchhoff resistance network for noise modeling, using scattering rates calculated with Fermi’s golden rule, or alternatively extracted from an ensemble Monte Carlo transport approach. The appropriate surrogate model of Bayesian optimization is based on Gaussian process regression, which can handle noisy offsets on the objective function evaluations inherent in ensemble Monte Carlo simulations. Here, we focus on the optimization of a matured mid-infrared QCD design detecting at 4.7 $$\upmu {\mathrm{m}}$$

μ
m

. For optimization we choose as figure of merit the specific detectivity, which is a measure for the signal-to-noise ratio. As the trade-off between high extraction efficiency and low detector conductance is important for good detection performance, we search for the perfect layer composition and vary the thicknesses of different cascade layers. Due to the high-temperature requirements interesting for cost-effective and mobile on-chip sensing applications, a simulation temperature of 300 K is selected. Our optimization strategy yields an improvement of specific detectivity by a factor of $${\sim 2-3}$$

∼
2
-
3

at room temperature using two different parameter sets. Furthermore, we investigate the sensitivity of our approach to fabrication tolerances, showing robustness of the optimized designs against growth fluctuations under fabrication conditions.