bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Joint influence of anomalous medium‐ and small‐scale circulations on short‐term heavy rainfall events over Beijing
Authors: Yang Bo , Wang Yuanxiang , Nan Sulan
Published: June 2020

Dense auto‐weather station data, variational doppler radar analysis system (fast updating radar four‐dimensional variation analysis system) data, radiosonde data and ERA‐Interim reanalysis data are used to investigate the joint influence of anomalous medium and small‐scale circulations associated with short‐term heavy rainfall events, which are influenced by the interaction between Pacific subtropical high and westerly trough (Type i) over Beijing between June and August 2007–2014. This Type i primarily comprises short‐term heavy rainfall events over Beijing. The results show that short‐term heavy rainfall events appear mainly over Northeastern and Southwestern Beijing, especially Northeastern Beijing, and generally reach a peak at dusk (19:00–21:00). Large‐scale circulations (an anomalous high in the east and an anomalous low in the west over Eastern Asia) favour the southeastern and southwestern winds to transport water vapour northward to Beijing. An anomalous mesoscale cyclone moves from west to northeast via the north to Beijing at approximately 20:00. An abnormal air temperature structure (warm and wet air at whole levels), an abnormal mesoscale circulation structure (with lower‐level convergence and mid‐upper‐level divergence) and the resulting abnormal vertical upward movement are well developed over Beijing. The upward branch over the southern outskirt of the anomalous mesoscale cyclone partly overlaps with that of the anomalous small‐scale cyclonic circulations or convergence lines (anomalous thunderstorm highs), and a striking vertical upward motion is produced. One airstream of the upward branches moves into the upper divergence region (it “pumps” mid‐lower level air into the mid‐upper levels) and makes the upward motion more vigorous. Another airstream turns around and descends fiercely to the surface (downward branches of anomalous thunderstorm highs); that is, the anomalous thunderstorm highs are reinforced, and the frequency peak in the short‐term heavy rainfall events occurs at dusk. The short‐term heavy rainfall events weaken at night. The analyses of vertical velocity anomalies for anomalous medium‐scale cyclone as well as turbulent vertical velocities and diagnostic radar echoes for anomalous small‐scale circulations in the heavy rainfall event on July 21, 2012 further verify the statistical results.
Predictors of recurrence after total thyroidectomy plus neck dissection and radioactive iodine ablation for high‐risk papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Kim Yonghan , Roh Jong‐Lyel , Song Dongeun , Cho Kyung‐Ja , Choi Seung‐Ho , Nam Soon Yuhl , Kim Sang Yoon
Published: June 2020

Background

American Thyroid Association (ATA) proposed management guidelines for differentiated thyroid cancer, including a three‐tiered risk stratification system for structural recurrence. This study aimed to compare the various 2015 ATA criteria for the strength of association with the recurrence of high‐risk papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC).

Study Design

This study included 545 consecutive patients who underwent total thyroidectomy plus neck dissection and radioactive iodine ablation (RAI) for previously untreated high‐risk PTC. The association of recurrence‐free survival (RFS) with clinicopathological factors was evaluated by univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analyses.

Results

During a follow‐up median period of 89 months, 90 (16.5%) patients had any‐site recurrence. Of the high‐risk factors, high stimulated thyroglobulin (sTg) level and >3‐cm sized lymph nodes (LNs) were significantly associated with recurrence (all P < .005). Sex, tumor size, lymphovascular invasion, multifocality, number of positive LNs, extranodal extension, T and N classifications, and overall tumor‐node‐metastasis stage were also significantly associated with recurrence (all P < .05). In multivariate analyses, high sTg level [adjusted hazard ratio (HR) = 7.18] and N1b (adjusted HR = 3.27) were independent factors predictive of recurrence (all P ≤ .001).

Conclusions

Postoperative high serum sTg level might be the most important predictor of PTC recurrence after total thyroidectomy plus neck dissection and RAI.
Integrated Population Modeling for White‐Tailed Deer in Saskatchewan, Canada
Authors: Messmer David J. , Henderson Allison E. , Whiklo Todd M. , Conkin Katherine R.
Published: June 2020

Monitoring annual change and long‐term trends in population structure and abundance of white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) is an important but challenging component of their management. Many monitoring programs consist of count‐based indices of relative abundance along with a variety of population structure information. Analyzed separately these data can be difficult to interpret because of observation error in the data collection process, missing data, and the lack of an explicit biological model to connect the data streams while accounting for their relative imprecision. We used a Bayesian age‐structured integrated population model to integrate data from a fall spotlight survey that produced a count‐based index of relative abundance and a volunteer staff and citizen classification survey that generated a fall recruitment index. Both surveys took place from 2003–2018 in the parkland ecoregion of southeast Saskatchewan, Canada. Our approach modeled demographic processes for age‐specific (0.5‐, 1.5‐, ≥2.5‐year‐old classes) populations and was fit to count and recruitment data via models that allowed for error in the respective observation processes. The Bayesian framework accommodated missing data and allowed aggregation of transects to act as samples from the larger management unit population. The approach provides managers with continuous time series of estimated relative abundance, recruitment rates, and apparent survival rates with full propagation of uncertainty and sharing of information among transects. We used this model to demonstrate winter severity effects on recruitment rates via an interaction between winter snow depth and minimum temperatures. In years with colder than average temperatures and above average snow depth, recruitment was depressed, whereas the negative effect of snow depth reversed in years with above average temperatures. This and other covariate information can be incorporated into the model to test relationships and provide predictions of future population change prior to setting of hunting seasons. Likewise, post hoc analysis of model output allows other hypothesis tests, such as determining the statistical support for whether population status has crossed a management trigger threshold. © 2020 The Wildlife Society.
Reduced‐order observer‐based robust drag‐tracking guidance for uncertain entry vehicles
Authors: Yan Han , Wang Xinghu , He Yingzi , Wei Chunling
Published: June 2020

This article studies the drag‐tracking guidance design problem of entry vehicles with low lift‐to‐drag ratio. Taking issues of uncertainty and input saturation into account, we develop a reduced‐order observer‐based robust output feedback guidance law, making the drag‐tracking error converge near zero. Our study not only achieves robust drag‐tracking guidance against inherently existing uncertainty, but also removes the redundant drag estimation in the literature. The Monte Carlo simulation is done to illustrate the advantage of the developed method.
Impact of titanate coupling agent on properties of high density polyethylene composite filled with coal gangue
Authors: Ding Chong , Zhang Yihe , Zhang Na , Wang Xinke , Wei Qi , Zhang Youpeng
Published: June 2020

In this study, surface modification of coal gangue (CG) was performed with titanate coupling agent 201 (isopropyl tri(dioctylpyrophosphate) titanate), and the effects of surface modifier on mechanical properties and thermal stability of high‐density polyethylene filled with CG (HDPE/CG) and high‐density polyethylene filled with modified CG (HDPE/mCG) composites were investigated. The coupling agent was successfully grafted on CG surface through chemical reaction according to the analyses of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and the coupling agent can effectively enhance the hydrophobicity of surface that was verified by water contact angle beyond 90° of modified CG sample. With the introduction of coupling agent, some enhancements of tensile strength, flexural strength, and impact strength were observed in HDPE/mCG compared with HDPE/CG, due to the improved compatibility between mCG fillers and matrix. The increased storage modulus and decreased loss factor of HDPE/mCG composite further confirm the stronger interface adhesion after modification. Moreover, it is found that titanate coupling agent 201 can improve the thermal stability of HDPE/mCG composite to some extent.
4,5‐Bis(diphenylthiophosphinoyl)‐1,2,3‐triazolate interaction with gold nanoparticles and flat surfaces to form self‐assembled monolayers
Authors: Correa‐Ascencio Marisol , Galván‐Miranda Elizabeth K. , García‐Montalvo Verónica , Cao Roberto , Cea‐Olivares Raymundo , Jiménez‐Sandoval Omar , Vera‐Estrada Irma Lucía
Published: June 2020

The interaction of the 4,5‐bis(diphenylthiophosphinoyl)‐1,2,3‐triazolate (SPTz−) with different gold surfaces was investigated (nanoparticles, an electrode, and flat sheets). Studies on binding affinity of this dithiophosphin‐triazolate on a gold electrode were performed by cyclic voltammetry (CV). Voltammograms exhibit two reductive desorption and only one oxidative readsorption, indicating that once reabsorbed, the molecule achieves a unique conformation. The morphology and average size of modified gold nanoparticles were studied by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) (av. diameter of 5.9 ± 1.8 nm). Further characterization was made by UV‐visible (UV‐vis) spectroscopy showing surface plasmon resonance (SPR) at about 580 nm. The bonding configurations of SPTz− on gold have also been investigated by comparing the FT‐IR and FT‐Raman spectra. The 31P{1H} NMR spectrum of capped nanoparticles exhibited two sharp signals at 30.3 and 29.6 ppm and a very broad signal at 72.7 ppm. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) showed SPTz− can accomplish a strong interaction with gold nanoparticles through bonds involving a sulfur atom and a nitrogen from the triazole ring with a free terminal PS group, forming self‐assembled monolayers (SAM). This may allow subsequent functionalization through free S/N atoms of the formed SAMs. The SPTz− packing led to a reduction in packing density that permits large spaces between adsorbed headgroups and the inclusion of carbon and oxygen impurities from small molecules; nevertheless, oxidized sulfur or nitrogen species were not detected, indicating the chemical stability of the obtained SAMs.
Residual Magnetic Flux of On‐Load Transformer for Controlled Switching
Authors: Himata Yukihiko , Nakajima Takashi , Koshizuka Tadashi , Saito Minoru , Maruyama Shiro
Published: June 2020

When a transformer is being energized, a large magnetic inrush current flows depending upon the closing phase angle of the circuit breaker and the residual magnetic flux in the iron core. One of the suppressing methods of the magnetic inrush current is to control the closing phase angle of the circuit breaker. Controlled switching has been used for no‐load transformer energization until now. However, the transformer may be switched under an on‐load state. In this case, a large magnetic inrush current will flow. To suppress the inrush current by using controlled switching, the information of the residual magnetic flux in the iron core is needed. The residual magnetic flux for no‐load transformers has been investigated. However, the residual magnetic flux for on‐load transformers was not investigated. In this paper, the residual magnetic flux for an on‐load transformer was investigated by experiments and calculations. © 2020 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Individual variability among autochthonous sheep in Northern Tunisia to infection by abomasum nematodes and Babesia/Theileria parasites
Authors: Rouatbi Mariem , Romdhane Rihab , Bouaicha Faten , Saddem Rahma , Sassi Limam , Dhibi Mokhtar , Rekik Mourad , Haile Aynalem , Mwacharo Joram M. , Rischkowsky Barbara , Darghouth Mohamed Aziz , Gharbi Mohamed
Published: June 2020

In Tunisia, livestock plays an important role in the economy; unfortunately, Tunisian sheep population faces several health challenges. The aim of this trial was to study phenotypic variability of four local sheep breeds and strains to abomasum nematodes infection and to Babesia/Theileria parasites. Faeces, blood and abomasum contents were collected from 310 sheep slaughtered in eight commercial slaughterhouses across North Tunisia. Haematological and biochemical parameters were assessed. DNA was extracted and catch‐all primers were used to detect both Theileria spp. and Babesia spp. DNA. Faecal egg counts (FEC) was quantitatively assessed using simple flotation technique followed by McMaster technique. Male and female worms were collected from all abomasum contents and counted under a stereomicroscope. The percentage of faeces samples positive for GIN’s eggs was 30.82%. After worms’ recovery, the infection prevalence was estimated to 75.90%. The overall infection prevalence by Babesia spp. and Theileria spp. was 4.21%. The dispersion of observations plots obtained by principal component analysis (PCA) showed two clusters of individuals. The first cluster contains animals having positive Babesia/Theileria PCR, presence of nematodes in the abomasum contents and relatively low total worm count (TWC < 500) expect one animal which was found bearing high TWC (>500). In this same group, with a suspected form of resistance, animals showed normal values of albumin and normal haematological parameters (red blood cell count [RBC], haemoglobin [Hb] and packed cell volume [PCV]). The second cluster represents all the other observations in which subgroups of animals were distinguished on the basis of their potential resistance to abomasum nematodes. Multiple correlations showed significant positive correlations between RBC/Hb, RBC/PCV, PCV/Hb and FEC/TWC. Significant negative correlations were observed between TWC/RBC and TWC/Hb. It is concluded that the phenotypic variability among local sheep breeds is essential for more advanced genetic and genomic studies.
Quiver gauge theories: beyond reflexivity
Authors: Bao Jiakang , Colverd Grace Beaney , He Yang-Hui
Published: June 2020

Abstract

Reflexive polygons have been extensively studied in a variety of contexts in mathematics and physics. We generalize this programme by looking at the 45 different lattice polygons with two interior points up to SL(2,ℤ) equivalence. Each corresponds to some affine toric 3-fold as a cone over a Sasaki-Einstein 5-fold. We study the quiver gauge theories of D3-branes probing these cones, which coincide with the mesonic moduli space. The minimum of the volume function of the Sasaki-Einstein base manifold plays an important role in computing the R-charges. We analyze these minimized volumes with respect to the topological quantities of the compact surfaces constructed from the polygons. Unlike reflexive polytopes, one can have two fans from the two interior points, and hence give rise to two smooth varieties after complete resolutions, leading to an interesting pair of closely related geometries and gauge theories.
Hypoglossusparese nach Follikelpunktion
Authors: Bette B. , Martini M. , Klaschik S. , Hilbert T.
Published: June 2020

Eine 42-jährige Patientin erleidet im Rahmen einer Maskenkurznarkose für eine Follikelpunktion eine infranukleäre Hypoglossusparese mit rechtsseitiger Schwellung und Schwäche der Zunge, welche zu einer länger als 3 Monate persistierenden Dysarthrie und Dysphagie führt. Eine Wiederaufnahme der Berufstätigkeit wird zunächst unmöglich. Ätiopathogenetisch wird eine mechanische Kompression des peripheren Verlaufs des N. hypoglossus durch Lagerung oder die Reklination während der Maskenbeatmung diskutiert.
Measuring the supporting slats of laser cutting machines using laser triangulation
Authors: Struckmeier Frederick , Zhao Jim , León Fernando Puente
Published: June 2020

When automatically generating programs for flatbed laser cutting machines, it is advantageous to know the position of the supporting tips of the raw material. This allows the nesting layout and tool path to be adapted in an intelligent way. The problem of measuring the supporting tips of a laser cutting machine has not been considered in published literature before. We introduce possible methods first and choose a laser triangulation system. A novel setup, where none of the components is at a right angle to the measured surface, is proposed to account for the circumstances in a laser cutting machine. Its performance is investigated thoroughly with special regard to robustness and accuracy. In order to achieve very high accuracies, the setup is extrinsically calibrated on the measured object and different line extraction algorithms are tested for their effect on the measurement result. It is shown that the measurement setup is robust for different changes in the environment, such as different slat materials, bent supporting tips, and slagging. The measurement accuracy of the setup is calculated to be within ± 0.8 mm.
Autumn to spring microbial community in the northern Baltic Sea: temporal variability in bacterial, viral and nanoflagellate abundance during the cold-water season
Authors: Kaikkonen Laura , Enberg Sara , Blomster Jaanika , Luhtanen Anne-Mari , Autio Riitta , Rintala Janne-Markus
Published: June 2020

Marine microbial communities undergo drastic changes during the seasonal cycle in high latitude seas. Despite the dominance of microbial biomass in the oceans, comprehensive studies on the seasonal changes of microbial plankton during the complete winter period are lacking. To study the seasonal variation in abundance of the microbial community, water samples were collected weekly in the Northern Baltic Sea from October to May. During ice cover from mid-January to April, samples from the sea ice and the underlying water were taken in addition to the water column samples. Abundances of bacteria, virus-like particles, nanoflagellates, and chlorophyllaconcentrations were measured from sea ice, under-ice water, and the water column, and examined in relation to environmental conditions. All studied organisms had clear seasonal changes in abundance, and the sea-ice microbial community had an independent wintertime development compared to the water column. Bacteria were observed to have a key role in the biotic interactions in both ice and the water column, and the dormant period during the cold-water months (October–May) was limited to before ice formation. Our results provide the first insights into the temporal dynamics of bacteria and viruses during the whole cold-water season (October–May) in coastal high latitude seas, and demonstrate that changes in the environmental conditions are likely to affect bacterial dynamics and have implications on trophic interactions.
Fabrication of tin-based halide perovskites by pulsed laser deposition
Authors: Hoffmann-Urlaub Sarah , Zhang Yaodong , Wang Zhaodong , Kressdorf Birte , Meyer Tobias
Published: June 2020

Mixed-organic-cation perovskite absorbers as formamidinium doped methylammonium tin iodine $$(\text {NH}_2\text {CH})_{1-{x}}(\text {CH}_3\text {NH}_3)_x\text {SnI}_3$$

(

NH
2

CH
)

1
-
x

(

CH
3

NH
3

)

x

SnI
3

($$x\le 1$$

x
≤
1

) can provide a pathway to highly efficient lead-free solar cells. Although this class of materials is known to be severely susceptible to degradation, induced among others by enhanced temperatures, humidity and illumination, an improved layer quality in view of crystal size and homogeneity is the key to diminish or even to block certain degradation channels. In this work, we present the fabrication of fully tin-based perovskites via pulsed laser deposition. The morphology is analyzed for different deposition energies and temperatures to find the optimum process window. The thin films already reveal crystalline structure at room temperature, while they are smooth and homogeneous above a critical thickness for carefully adapted deposition parameters. In contrast to the assumption that at elevated temperatures, the crystallinity is improved, and we find that the films reveal a strong organic depletion and simultaneously tin enrichment. As a measure for their suitability to be employed as photovoltaic absorbers, the band gap of the differently doped perovskites is estimated by spectroscopic ellipsometry in the range of 1.3 to 1.4 eV.
Vacuum-assisted mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy: a new perspective in fragments clearance and intrarenal pressure control
Authors: Zanetti Stefano Paolo , Lievore Elena , Fontana Matteo , Turetti Matteo , Gallioli Andrea , Longo Fabrizio , Albo Giancarlo , De Lorenzis Elisa , Montanari Emanuele
Published: June 2020

Purpose

To describe the vacuum-assisted mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy (vmPCNL) technique performed via the 16Ch ClearPetra sheath, to evaluate its outcomes and to analyze intrarenal pressure (IRP) fluctuations during surgery.

Methods

Data from all consecutive vmPCNL procedures from September 2017 to October 2019 were prospectively collected. Data included patients’ and stones characteristics, intra and peri-operative items, post-operative complications and stone clearance. Patients undergoing vmPCNL from March to October 2019 were submitted to IRP measurement during surgery.

Results

A total of 122 vmPCNL procedures were performed. Median stone volume was 1.92 cm3. Median operative time was 90 min and median lithotripsy and lapaxy time was 28 min. Stone clearance rate was 71.3%. Thirty-one (25.2%) patients experienced post-operative complications, seven of which were Clavien 3. Postoperative fever occurred in nine (7.4%) patients and one (0.8%) needed a transfusion. No sepsis were observed. IRPs were measured in 22 procedures. Mean IRP was 15.3 cmH2O and median accumulative time with IRP > 40.78 cmH2O (pyelovenous backflow threshold) was 28.52 sec. Maximum IRP peaks were reached during the surgical steps when aspiration is closed (mainly pyelograms), whereas during lithotripsy and suction-mediated lapaxy, the threshold of 40.78 cmH2O was overcome in three procedures.

Conclusions

vmPCNL is a safe procedure with satisfactory stone clearance rates. Mean IRP was always lower than the threshold of pyelo-venous backflow and the accumulative time with IRP over this limit was short in most of the procedures. During lithotripsy and vacuum-mediated lapaxy, IRP rarely raised over the threshold.
Recursive music elucidates neural mechanisms supporting the generation and detection of melodic hierarchies
Authors: Martins Mauricio J. D. , Fischmeister Florian Ph. S. , Gingras Bruno , Bianco Roberta , Puig-Waldmueller Estela , Villringer Arno , Fitch W. Tecumseh , Beisteiner Roland
Published: June 2020

The ability to generate complex hierarchical structures is a crucial component of human cognition which can be expressed in the musical domain in the form of hierarchical melodic relations. The neural underpinnings of this ability have been investigated by comparing the perception of well-formed melodies with unexpected sequences of tones. However, these contrasts do not target specifically the representation of rules generating hierarchical structure. Here, we present a novel paradigm in which identical melodic sequences are generated in four steps, according to three different rules: The Recursive rule, generating new hierarchical levels at each step; The Iterative rule, adding tones within a fixed hierarchical level without generating new levels; and a control rule that simply repeats the third step. Using fMRI, we compared brain activity across these rules when participants are imagining the fourth step after listening to the third (generation phase), and when participants listened to a fourth step (test sound phase), either well-formed or a violation. We found that, in comparison with Repetition and Iteration, imagining the fourth step using the Recursive rule activated the superior temporal gyrus (STG). During the test sound phase, we found fronto-temporo-parietal activity and hippocampal de-activation when processing violations, but no differences between rules. STG activation during the generation phase suggests that generating new hierarchical levels from previous steps might rely on retrieving appropriate melodic hierarchy schemas. Previous findings highlighting the role of hippocampus and inferior frontal gyrus may reflect processing of unexpected melodic sequences, rather than hierarchy generation per se.
Morphology of the criminal brain: gray matter reductions are linked to antisocial behavior in offenders
Authors: Hofhansel Lena , Weidler Carmen , Votinov Mikhail , Clemens Benjamin , Raine Adrian , Habel Ute
Published: June 2020

Aggression and psychopathy are multifaceted conditions determined interpersonal and antisocial factors. Only a few studies analyze the link between these separate factors and specific brain morphology distinctively. A voxel-based morphometry (VBM) analysis was performed on 27 violent offenders and 27 controls aiming to associate sub-features of aggressive and psychopathic behavior with specific gray matter volumes. Trait aggression was assessed using two self-report tests (Aggression Questionnaire, AQ, and Reactive–Proactive–Aggression Questionnaire, RPQ) and psychopathy with the Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R). Total and sub-scale scores of these tests were correlated to the brain morphometry of the offenders group in separate analyses. It was found that psychopathic behavior was negatively correlated with prefrontal gray matter volume and that this result was primarily driven by the antisocial behavior sub-scale of the PCL-R. Furthermore, less gray matter in right superior frontal and left inferior parietal regions with increasing antisocial behavior could be observed. One cluster comprising the right middle and superior temporal gyrus was negatively correlated with both, reactive aggression and antisocial behavior. These results outline (1) the importance of distinctively analyzing sub-features that contribute to aggressive and psychopathic behavior, given that the negative correlation of psychopathy global scores with prefrontal volume was driven by one single facet of the PCL-R scale (antisocial behavior). Moreover, these results indicate (2) fronto-temporo-parietal network deficits in antisocial, criminal offenders, with a particular strong effect in the temporal lobe.
Can reminders improve adherence to regular physical activity and exercise recommendations in people over 60 years old?
Authors: Wolner-Strohmeyer Gudrun , Keilani Mohammad , Mähr Bruno , Morawetz Eva , Zdravkovic Andrej , Wagner Barbara , Palma Stefano , Mickel Michael , Jordakieva Galateja , Crevenna Richard
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to investigate whether additional reminders could enhance adherence to a 12-week program consisting of regular physical activity.

Methods

The study collective consisted of pensioners insured with the Austrian Insurance Fund for Civil or Public Servants. They were made aware of our program through the public service union. The subjects were randomized to an intervention group (group A) that received reminders and to a control group (group B) that did not receive such notifications. Adherence to physical activity was assessed by the use of diaries.

Results

Group A performed 96 min more moderate intensity regular physical activity per week than group B (group A median 269 min, r = 0–1560 min; group B median 173 min, r = 0–2700 min). The Mann–Whitney U-test showed no significant differences (p = 0.080) between the study groups.

There was no difference in muscle strengthening activity (group A: median: 2, r = 0–13 sessions; group B: median: 2, r = 0–20 sessions).

Conclusion

The major positive observation was that both the experimental and control group participants exceeded the recommended level of physical activity. Nevertheless, there were some differences concerning the minutes of physical activity performed in favor of the intervention group.
Heteromorphism of stamens in monoclinous flowers of Tinantia erecta (Jacq.) Fenzl as an example of high variability of the androecium in the Commelinaceae family
Authors: Tchórzewska D. , Marciniec R. , Deryło K. , Winiarczyk K.
Published: June 2020

Representatives of the family Commelinaceae are characterised by morphologically, anatomically, or functionally diverse stamens (common presence of staminodia), which produce diverse pollen grains. The heteromorphism of stamens noted in all Commelinaceae species is a particular example of the evolutionary modification of the androecium in entomophilous plants. The morphological, anatomical, and cytological analyses of the androecium as well as the analysis of the microsporogenesis process and the formation of the male gametophyte in Tinantia erecta (a species belonging to the family Commelinaceae) have demonstrated that the morphologically diverse stamens in this species do not differ anatomically. Furthermore, the process of microsporogenesis followed by gametogenesis occurring in the stamens yields pollen grains with the same morphology, cytology, and function. Therefore, despite the large morphological diversity of the androecium, all anthers in T. erecta produce male gametophytes that are identical in every respect, which is a unique feature in species from the Commelinaceae family. Additionally, T. erecta is capable of self-pollination; hence, it can be claimed that the species uses its entire reproductive potential to produce seeds and a next generation.
Extracting safe thread schedules from incomplete model checking results
Authors: Metzler Patrick , Suri Neeraj , Weissenbacher Georg
Published: June 2020

Model checkers frequently fail to completely verify a concurrent program, even if partial-order reduction is applied. The verification engineer is left in doubt whether the program is safe and the effort toward verifying the program is wasted. We present a technique that uses the results of such incomplete verification attempts to construct a (fair) scheduler that allows the safe execution of the partially verified concurrent program. This scheduler restricts the execution to schedules that have been proven safe (and prevents executions that were found to be erroneous). We evaluate the performance of our technique and show how it can be improved using partial-order reduction. While constraining the scheduler results in a considerable performance penalty in general, we show that in some cases our approach—somewhat surprisingly—even leads to faster executions.
Berücksichtigung von Wärmeleitungswiderständen in den Speichermassen von Regeneratoren
Authors: Roetzel Wilfried , Na Ranong Chakkrit
Published: June 2020

Es wird ein konsistentes analytisches Berechnungsverfahren vorgestellt zur näherungsweisen Berücksichtigung von Wärmeleitungswiderständen in der Speichermasse von Regeneratoren. Die nach dem Verfahren berechneten zusätzlichen effektiven Wärmewiderstände stimmen exakt mit den nach Hausen berechneten und im VDI-Wärmeatlas angegebenen Werten überein. Das Berechnungsmodell ergibt ferner, dass für die Berechnung des Regeneratorprozesses entgegen der üblichen Praxis bei endlicher Wärmeleitfähigkeit der Speichermasse deren Wärmekapazität auf einen verkleinerten, effektiven Wert reduziert werden muss. Zur Berechnung der effektiven Speicherkapazität werden einfache Näherungsgleichungen angegeben.
Red and White Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha): Differences in the Transcriptome Profile of Muscle, Liver, and Pylorus
Authors: Madaro Angelico , Torrissen Ole , Whatmore Paul , Lall Santosh P. , Schmeisser Jerome , Verlhac Trichet Viviane , Olsen Rolf Erik
Published: June 2020

Astaxanthin (Ax), the main carotenoid responsible for the distinct red flesh color in salmonids (Oncorhynchus, Salvelinus, Salmo, and Parahucho), is added to the diet of farmed fish at a substantial cost. Despite the great economical value for the salmon industry, the key molecular mechanisms involved in the regulation of muscle coloration are poorly understood. Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) represent an ideal model to study flesh coloration because they exhibit a distinct color polymorphism responsible for two color morphs, white and red flesh pigmented fish. This study was designed to identify the molecular basis for the development of red and white coloration of fish reared under the same experimental conditions and to better understand the absorption mechanism of Ax in salmonids. Pyloric caeca, liver, and muscle of both groups (n = 6 each) were selected as the most likely critical target organs to be involved respectively in the intestinal uptake, metabolism, and retention of Ax. Difference in the transcriptome profile of each tissue using next-generation sequencing technology was conducted. Ten KEGG pathways were significantly enriched for differentially expressed genes between red and white salmon pylorus tissue, while none for the transcriptome profile in the other two tissues. Differential expressed gene (DE) analyses showed that there were relatively few differences in muscle (31 DE genes,p < 0.05) and liver (43 DE genes,p < 0.05) of white and red Chinook salmon compared approximately 1125 DE genes characterized in the pylorus tissue, with several linked to Ax binding ability, absorption, and metabolism.
With all this Pseudoscience, Why so Little Pseudotechnology?
Authors: Hansson Sven Ove
Published: June 2020

After a review of previous uses of the term “pseudotechnology”, a definition is proposed: “A pseudotechnology is an alleged technology that is irreparably dysfunctional for its intended purpose since it is based on construction principles that cannot be made to work”. The relationship between pseudotechnology and pseudoscience is discussed, and so is the relationship between pseudotechnology and the much weaker concept of technological malfunction. An explanation is offered of why pseudotechnology is much more seldom referred to than pseudoscience: dysfunctional technology usually reveals itself when put to use, whereas dysfunctional science tends to be more difficult to disclose.
Incidence of pneumonitis/interstitial lung disease induced by HER2-targeting therapy for HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer
Authors: Hackshaw Michelle D. , Danysh Heather E. , Singh Jasmeet , Ritchey Mary E. , Ladner Amy , Taitt Corina , Camidge D. Ross , Iwata Hiroji , Powell Charles A.
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Anti-human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) therapies are associated with interstitial lung disease (ILD), also referred to as pneumonitis. In this literature review, we describe the incidence of ILD among patients with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer (MBC) receiving anti-HER2 therapies, and we describe existing recommendations for monitoring and managing drug-induced ILD among these patients.

Methods

We searched PubMed and Embase to identify clinical trials and postmarket observational studies that investigated anti-HER2 therapies for HER2-positive MBC, reported on ILD, and were published during January 1, 2009 to July 15, 2019. Articles were screened by two researchers; data were extracted from the full-text articles.

Results

The 18 articles selected for this review assessed 9,886 patients who received trastuzumab (8 articles), lapatinib (4 articles), trastuzumab emtansine (3 articles), trastuzumab deruxtecan (2 articles), or trastuzumab duocarmazine (1 article). The overall incidence of all-grade ILD was 2.4% (n = 234), with 66.7% (n = 156) occurring as grade 1–2 events, 0.5% grade 3–4 (n = 54; incidence), and 0.2% grade 5 (n = 16; incidence). The highest ILD incidence (21.4%) was among patients receiving trastuzumab combined with everolimus and paclitaxel. Ten studies indicated that ILD events were managed via dose interruption, dose reduction, or treatment discontinuation; two studies included detailed guidelines on managing drug-induced ILD.

Conclusions

ILD is a well-described adverse drug reaction associated with several anti-HER2 drugs. Published ILD management guidelines are available for few anti-HER2 treatment regimens; however, guidance for monitoring for anti-HER2 drug-induced ILD is lacking.
Goniowash: a new surgical approach combined with cataract surgery to lower intraocular pressure in pseudoexfoliation syndrome
Authors: V. Tran Tao , Mansouri Kaweh , Mermoud Andre
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Pseudoexfoliation syndrome is common in elderly patients and is associated with intraocular pressure elevation. Goniowash is a novel surgical technique to remove pseudoexfoliation material from the irido-corneal angle to decrease intraocular pressure. We assessed the long-term efficacy of Goniowash on relevant parameters in patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome, after cataract surgery.

Methods

The study enrolled 122 patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome, who underwent routine cataract surgery combined with Goniowash. Best-corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure and medication status were recorded in study participants during 5 years of follow-up.

Results

Data from 190 eyes (122 patients of average age 73.8 ± 7.7 years) were assessed. Mean best-corrected visual acuity increased from 0.60 to 1.0 (p < 0.001) one year after surgery and remained stable throughout the follow-up. Average intraocular pressure decreased from 26.4 ± 7.3 mmHg pre-operatively to 15.9 ± 3.0 mmHg post operatively at one year (p < 0.001), 16.1 ± 3.3 mmHg (p < 0.001) at 3 years and 16.8 ± 2.9 (p < 0.001) at 5 years. Mean number of ocular hypotensive medications decreased from 1.5 ± 0.8 pre-operatively to 0.4 ± 0.7 post-operatively (75% reduction) (p < 0.001). No unexpected and severe adverse events related to the surgical procedure were reported.

Conclusions

Goniowash combined with cataract surgery provides stable and long-lasting reduction of intraocular pressure and hypotensive medications. It is a safe procedure and may be an alternative for patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome and elevated intraocular pressure.
Laissez-Faire Leadership and Affective Commitment: the Roles of Leader-Member Exchange and Subordinate Relational Self-concept
Authors: Robert Véronique , Vandenberghe Christian
Published: June 2020

Although the detrimental effects of laissez-faire leadership are well documented, research on the underlying mechanisms and the boundary conditions associated with these effects remains scarce. Using the identity orientation framework and social exchange theory, we propose that employees with stronger relational self-concepts are more likely to be affected by laissez-faire leadership. As these employees define themselves through dyadic relationships, they may react more negatively to laissez-faire leadership by diminishing their contributions to mutual goals and reducing their affective organizational commitment. These predictions were tested within a three-wave longitudinal study through structural equations modeling analyses with full information maximum likelihood estimation on a sample of employees from multiple organizations (N = 449). As predicted, the relational self-concept was associated with a stronger negative effect of laissez-faire leadership on the contribution dimension of leader-member exchange and a stronger negative indirect effect on affective organizational commitment. The implications of these findings for our understanding of the mechanisms related to laissez-faire leadership are discussed.
A General Version of Price’s Theorem
Authors: Voigtlaender Felix
Published: June 2020

Assume that $$X_{\Sigma } \in \mathbb {R}^{n}$$

X
Σ

∈

R

n

is a centered random vector following a multivariate normal distribution with positive definite covariance matrix $$\Sigma $$
Σ
. Let $$g : \mathbb {R}^{n} \rightarrow \mathbb {C}$$

g
:

R

n

→
C

be measurable and of moderate growth, say $$|g(x)| \lesssim (1 + |x|)^{N}$$

|
g

(
x
)

|

≲

(
1
+
|
x
|
)

N

. We show that the map $$\Sigma \mapsto \mathbb {E}[g(X_{\Sigma })]$$

Σ
↦
E
[
g

(

X
Σ

)

]

is smooth, and we derive convenient expressions for its partial derivatives, in terms of certain expectations $$\mathbb {E}[(\partial ^{\alpha }g)(X_{\Sigma })]$$

E
[

(

∂
α

g
)

(

X
Σ

)

]

of partial (distributional) derivatives of g. As we discuss, this result can be used to derive bounds for the expectation $$\mathbb {E}[g(X_{\Sigma })]$$

E
[
g

(

X
Σ

)

]

of a nonlinear function $$g(X_{\Sigma })$$

g
(

X
Σ

)

of a Gaussian random vector $$X_{\Sigma }$$

X
Σ

with possibly correlated entries. For the case when $$g\left( x\right) = g_{1}(x_{1}) \cdots g_{n}(x_{n})$$

g

x

=

g
1

(

x
1

)

⋯

g
n

(

x
n

)

has tensor-product structure, the above result is known in the engineering literature as Price’s theorem, originally published in 1958. For dimension $$n = 2$$

n
=
2

, it was generalized in 1964 by McMahon to the general case $$g : \mathbb {R}^{2} \rightarrow \mathbb {C}$$

g
:

R

2

→
C

. Our contribution is to unify these results, and to give a mathematically fully rigorous proof. Precisely, we consider a normally distributed random vector $$X_{\Sigma } \in \mathbb {R}^{n}$$

X
Σ

∈

R

n

of arbitrary dimension $$n \in \mathbb {N}$$

n
∈
N

, and we allow the nonlinearity g to be a general tempered distribution. To this end, we replace the expectation $$\mathbb {E}\left[ g(X_{\Sigma })\right] $$

E

g
(

X
Σ

)

by the dual pairing $$\left\langle g,\,\phi _{\Sigma }\right\rangle _{\mathcal {S}',\mathcal {S}}$$

g
,

ϕ
Σ

S

′

,
S

, where $$\phi _{\Sigma }$$

ϕ
Σ

denotes the probability density function of $$X_{\Sigma }$$

X
Σ

.
The Morality of Treason
Authors: Fabre Cécile
Published: June 2020

Treason is one of the most serious legal offences that there are, in most if not all jurisdictions. Laws against treason are rooted in deep-seated moral revulsion about acts which, in the political realm, are paradigmatic examples of breaches of loyalty. Yet, it is not altogether clear what treason consists in: someone’s traitor is often another’s loyalist. In this paper, my aim is twofold: to offer a plausible conceptual account of treason, and to partly rehabilitate traitors. I focus on informational treason, as the act of passing secret intelligence to foreign actors without authorization. I argue that informational treason is sometimes justified, indeed morally mandatory; even when it is morally wrong, its beneficiaries are sometimes justified, indeed obliged, to make use of the intelligence thereby provided.
Chaotic synchronization of memristive neurons: Lyapunov function versus Hamilton function
Authors: Yamakou Marius E.
Published: June 2020

In this paper, we consider a 5-dimensional Hindmarsh–Rose neuron model. This improved version of the original model shows rich dynamical behaviors, including a chaotic super-bursting regime. This regime promises a greater information encoding capacity than the standard bursting activity. Based on the Krasovskii–Lyapunov stability theory, the sufficient conditions (on the synaptic strengths and magnetic gain parameters) for stable chaotic synchronization of the model are obtained. Based on Helmholtz’s theorem, the Hamilton function of the corresponding error dynamical system is also obtained. It is shown that the time variation of this Hamilton function along trajectories can play the role of the time variation of the Lyapunov function—in determining the stability of the synchronization manifold. Numerical computations indicate that as the synaptic strengths and the magnetic gain parameters change, the time variation of the Hamilton function is always nonzero (i.e., a relatively large positive or negative value) only when the time variation of the Lyapunov function is positive, and zero (or vanishingly small) only when the time variation of the Lyapunov function is also zero. This, therefore, paves an alternative way to determine the stability of synchronization manifolds and can be particularly useful for systems whose Lyapunov function is difficult to construct, but whose Hamilton function corresponding to the dynamic error system is easier to calculate.
Are official confirmed cases and fatalities counts good enough to study the COVID-19 pandemic dynamics? A critical assessment through the case of Italy
Authors: Bartoszek Krzysztof , Guidotti Emanuele , Iacus Stefano Maria , Okrój Marcin
Published: June 2020

As the COVID-19 outbreak is developing the two most frequently reported statistics seem to be the raw confirmed case and case fatalities counts. Focusing on Italy, one of the hardest hit countries, we look at how these two values could be put in perspective to reflect the dynamics of the virus spread. In particular, we find that merely considering the confirmed case counts would be very misleading. The number of daily tests grows, while the daily fraction of confirmed cases to total tests has a change point. It (depending on region) generally increases with strong fluctuations till (around, depending on region) 15–22 March and then decreases linearly after. Combined with the increasing trend of daily performed tests, the raw confirmed case counts are not representative of the situation and are confounded with the sampling effort. This we observe when regressing on time the logged fraction of positive tests and for comparison the logged raw confirmed count. Hence, calibrating model parameters for this virus’s dynamics should not be done based only on confirmed case counts (without rescaling by the number of tests), but take also fatalities and hospitalization count under consideration as variables not prone to be distorted by testing efforts. Furthermore, reporting statistics on the national level does not say much about the dynamics of the disease, which are taking place at the regional level. These findings are based on the official data of total death counts up to 15 April 2020 released by ISTAT and up to 10 May 2020 for the number of cases. In this work, we do not fit models but we rather investigate whether this task is possible at all. This work also informs about a new tool to collect and harmonize official statistics coming from different sources in the form of a package for the statistical environment and presents the “.”